Local radio groups merge
Two rival groups in the fight for the Torbay and Exeter commercial radio franchise have merged — bringing the number of consortia down to three.
They were the last two groups to enter the arena — Radio Exe, which includes Mr Dave Cousins, a member of the Strawbs rock group, and the Torbay and Exeter Broadcasting Company, headed by Vice-Admiral Sir Ronald Brockman of Budleigh Salterton.
Representatives of the groups met on Thursday, and decided to merge as one consortium — called Radio Haldon.
Sir Ronald is chairman of the new company. He said: “There is no question of either of the original organisations having been swallowed by the other.
“Their attitudes to providing a public service for the area were in complete harmony and, because their strengths were complementary, this amalgamation has produced a valuable combination of professional expertise and creative ability.”
The other members of the Radio Haldon team include Mr Cousins, who is a qualified marketing executive; Keith Fordyce, the proprietor of Torbay Aircraft Museum and sometime broadcaster; Torquay solicitor Mr Hamish Turner, who is the company secretary; and author and journalist Mr Leslie Watkins.
“The Independent Broadcasting Authority has not yet announced when it will be inviting applications for this franchise but whenever the date is we will be ready — and we know we can produce a service ideally tailored to the needs of the local community,” said Sir Ronald.
