Regional radio shows on Heart, Smooth and Capital to be scrapped as broadcasting set to move to London

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Regional shows on some of the country's most popular radio stations are set to be scrapped. Heart, Smooth and Capital brands will reportedly be exclusively broadcast from London as part of a new 'Nations strategy' from owners Global.

Beloved north west shows including 'The Rob Ellis Show' with Rob, Rachel and Wingman on Capital are among those to be replaced by a London-based broadcast, it is understood.

There are around 20 regional programmes in England across the Heart, Smooth and Capital brands. Local station XS Manchester, which broadcasts a mix of indie and alternative music and champions local up-and-coming artists is reported to be axed completely in the move and rebranded to Radio X 90s.

The Manchester Evening News understands XS Manchester will close in around 'five weeks' time. RadioToday reports that the on-air changes will be made on February 24, 2025, and more details will be released prior to this date.