The managing director of Minster FM, Bridget Meynell, has left the station.
A popular boss, she oversaw the York station’s renaissance, as it gained record listening figures and won a place at the heart of the city’s community.
Bridget leaves just weeks before Minster FM goes off air, to be replaced by a station which is part of the Greatest Hits Network run by global media corporation Bauer.
Bridget, a past president of West & North Yorkshire Chamber, is leaving after more than 16 years.
In a statement to staff, she said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with and lead the exceptional team at Minster FM for over 16 years.
“Bauer Media acquired Minster FM in March 2019 and the time is now right for me and the company for there to be a change.
“I owe a debt of thanks to the entire Minster and wider UKRD team. I am grateful for the enormous support given to Minster FM by the listeners, advertisers and stakeholders in York and North Yorkshire and after such lengthy relationships, I am convinced many will prevail.”
Fulsome tribute
Group Managing Director Radio, Bauer Radio, Dee Ford described Bridget as “an exceptional leader”.
“She has worked tirelessly for her team and stakeholders in York both in her role at Minster FM and at The York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce alongside other boards and committees.
“The respect that the stakeholders have for Bridget is a well-earned badge of honour.”
A petition to Save Minster FM has reached more than 7,000 listeners.
And MPs and council leaders have called for the station to continue.
But Bauer is pressing ahead with its plans to lose the local presenters and replace them with the national Greatest Hits Radio team.
Stray FM and Yorkshire Coast Radio face similar fates.
On air in North Yorkshire from 1 September, it will play hits from the Seventies, Eighties and Nineties.