Council leaders call on Bauer Media to rethink plan to axe Minster FM

City of York Council leaders have written to executives at Bauer Media to urge them to reconsider the decision to shut Minster FM.

This follows an outcry from residents, and a petition to save the radio station which has reached nearly 7,000 signatures.

The campaign has also received national backing from the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport, Daisy Cooper.

Daisy is putting pressure on government ministers to offer a support package across the country for local commercial radio stations like Minster FM.

She said:

• Given the vital importance of communication during the Covid-19 crisis, I am challenging the Government to intervene and support local commercial radio stations, like Minster FM, which are being taken over and shut down in large numbers.

‘Bad news for our community’

Council leader Keith Aspden said: “The closure of Minster FM is bad news for our community, especially for the fantastic staff who work there.

“We have written to Bauer Media to urge them to reconsider this decision but also to find answers about their plans.

“We want to know that local staff will get the opportunity to stay on the air, that the new station will retain Minster FM’s commitment to local news and that the company is commitment to supporting local businesses, charities and community events.

“We know that Minster FM have always taken their responsibility to York’s network of local businesses very seriously and have been fantastic at promoting other local services and businesses throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Executive member for culture, leisure and communities Cllr Darryl Smalley said: “Losing Minster FM will have an impact far beyond the loss of employment, and source of quality local news for residents.

“For decades Minster FM has contributed to our community spirit in York, for example through the Minister FM Local Hero Awards which every year recognises the achievements of our unsung community champions.

“Likewise, the summer road shows, community fairs and Christmas lights switch-on have been local traditions for years.”