102.2 Jazz FM

the defunct London jazz radio station the current UK DAB+ and DAB jazz station Jazz FM (UK) January 2013 September 2020 England jazzfm.jpeg 200 102.2 Jazz FM (defunct) 4 March 1990 23 March 2005 102.2 MHz Greater London (FM),Nationwide (Freeview)Nationwide (Sky Digital)Greater London, Yorkshire, South Wales and the Severn Estuary, West Midlands, North East England, Central Scotland (DAB) Jazz GMG Radio www.jazzfm.com 102.2 Jazz FM (also known as London Jazz Radio and JFM) was an Independent Local Radio for London run by GMG Radio. The station was based in and broadcast from Castlereagh Streethttp://www.godfreyvaughan.co.uk/investment/2627_castlereagh_particulars.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20080517013833/http://www.godfreyvaughan.co.uk/investment/2627_castlereagh_particulars.pdf dead 17 May 2008 26–27 Castlereagh Street, London, W1 22 February 2009 Colliders Godfrey Vaughan in London. The station experimented with its core playlist over its fifteen-year history, incorporating smooth jazz, mainstream jazz, soul, jazz fusion, acid jazz, blues and rhythm and blues. In 1994, the station changed its name to JFM to encourage more listeners who were put off by the 'Jazz' in the station's name. Richard Wheatly was appointed in 1995 to turn the station around when there was only three months' money left to run the station.Garrett Alexander Money, Meetings and All That Jazz https://www.managementtoday.co.uk/money-meetings-jazz-when-richard-wheatly-took-jazz-fm-act-fast-ailing-station-lost-its-target-audience-new-launch-viva-fallen-deaf-ears-dealmaking/article/408254 Management Today 1 January 2001 30 November 2018 He made a number of sweeping changes to the playlist, selling a sister station and changing the name back to Jazz FM,JFM switches back to Jazz FM - Marketing Week https://www.marketingweek.com/1995/08/04/jfm-switches-back-to-jazz-fm-2/ www.marketingweek.com 4 August 1995 30 November 2018 as well as starting up a record label and spin-off business deals and opportunities which helped Jazz FM swing into the black and make a profit in 2001.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2001/02/27/cnjazz27.xml https://web.archive.org/web/20071219081746/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fmoney%2F2001%2F02%2F27%2Fcnjazz27.xml dead 19 December 2007 Jazz FM swings into the black 13 April 2001 The Telegraph 22 July 2021 In July 2002, after a relaxation in ownership rules from the publication of the Communications Bill, the Guardian Media Group's (GMG) radio division was able to purchase the station for £44.5 million. GMG made more changes to the playlist, shifting to more R&B, soul, easy listening and adult contemporary music during the daytime. In 2004 with the agreement of Ofcom, jazz was dropped from the daytime schedules, but a requirement of 45 hours per week of jazz was retained, this to be played during the night. In June 2005, GMG Radio replaced the station with adult contemporary station 102.2 Smooth FM. GMG cited a number of reasons for replacing Jazz FM, including poor listening figures, not making money, the 'Jazz' name putting off potential listeners as well as not enough jazz for jazz purists. The Jazz FM name was retained by GMG for the relaunched ejazz.fm website service which was renamed jazzfm.com on the same day as the launch of Smooth FM. The station broadcast on digital satellite, online and on spare DAB capacity in Yorkshire, South Wales and the Severn Estuary where 102.2 Smooth FM and the defunct Smooth Digital service would have been duplicated. On 28 February 2008, GMG Radio announced the potential return of Jazz FM in London on DAB radio, digital satellite and the Internet as a relaunch of the current jazzfm.com service.Plunkett John Ofcom tells Smooth Radio to keep jazz output https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/apr/23/commercialradio.radio The Guardian 23 April 2008 30 November 2018West Dave GMG to press ahead with Jazz FM on DAB http://www.digitalspy.com/media/news/a94468/gmg-to-press-ahead-with-jazz-fm-on-dab/ Digital Spy 30 November 2018 23 April 2008 The station relaunched on 6 October 2008.http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.3703.2 Jazz FM relaunches 6 October 13 August 2008 13 August 2008 Radio Today 13 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120213134658/http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.3703.2 History The station was launched as a result of a ten-year campaign by musician Dave Lee and Jasper Grinling (CBE 1978; Chairman, London Jazz Radio plc, 1989–91) who was inspired after listening to a Los Angeles jazz radio station, which has turned into a classical station.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4264987.stm Jazz FM goes for new smooth title 14 February 2005 3 September 2008 BBC News In 1980, Lee wrote the following to the Independent Broadcasting Authority: "Dear Sir, I hereby apply for a licence to open a jazz radio station in London."Jazz FM looks back at 25 years of radio http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/03/jazz-fm-looks-back-at-25-years-of-radio/ Radio Today 4 March 2015 4 March 2015 With competition from Kiss FM for one of the Londonwide incremental radio licenses, the IBA awarded the London Jazz Radio group the licence on 12 July 1989.Richard Barbrook Melodies or Rhythms?: The Competition for the Greater London FM Radio Licence Popular Music 9 2 April 1990 Cambridge University Press Ron Onions, the former editor-in-chief of LBC, was appointed station director.Ron Onions, "Media: Jazz FM - Between the Lines", The Guardian, London, England, 05 March 1990. As Jazz FM the station launched on 4 March 1990 with an Ella Fitzgerald concert at the Royal Festival Hall in London.Hobbs Steve DJ Profiles – Steve Hobbs http://www.solarradio.com/djprofiles/info.asp?id=48 dead 13 November 2006 30 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20061113051600/http://www.solarradio.com/djprofiles/info.asp?id=48 13 November 2006 Fitzgerald was flown in by the station to perform the concert, at which she sang with the Count Basie Orchestra; the concert was her last appearance in Europe.http://www.jazzwisemagazine.com/component/content/article/67-2010/11584-jazz-breaking-news-jazz-fm-to-air-ella-fitzgerald-historic-albert-hall-broadcast Jazz breaking news: Jazz FM To Air Ella Fitzgerald Historic Albert Hall Broadcast 9 September 2010 9 September 2010 Graham Stephen Jazzwise Magazine To promote the station, Jazz FM paid out £750,000 for advertising on ITV.http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article1579978.ece Rebirth of cool 1 April 2007 Donovan Paul 7 September 2008 The Times London 16 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110616051143/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article1579978.ece Jazz FM faced insolvency in its early life.http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radio/ifi/rbl/car/ifmapps/liverpool/liverfm.pdf Liver FM July 2006 Ofcom https://web.archive.org/web/20090508131034/http://www.ofcom.org.uk/radio/ifi/rbl/car/ifmapps/liverpool/liverfm.pdf 8 May 2009 dead 12 April 2009 Broadcast Investments made an offer of £348,000 to purchase the station.Broadcast Investments withdraws offer for Jazz FM PLC (1991/11/07) http://www.alacrastore.com/storecontent/Thomson_M&A/Broadcast_Investments_withdraws_offer_for_Jazz_FM_PLC-250768040 https://web.archive.org/web/20120225200550/http://www.alacrastore.com/storecontent/Thomson_M&A/Broadcast_Investments_withdraws_offer_for_Jazz_FM_PLC-250768040 dead 25 February 2012 alacrastore.com 30 November 2018 25 February 2012 Broadcast Investments withdrew the offer when Golden Rose Communications made a higher offer of £500,000 for the station. Golden Rose Communications took over the station in 1991.Golden Rose Communications PLC launches a tender offer for Jazz FM PLC from Scott Trust Ltd http://www.alacrastore.com/storecontent/Thomson_M%26A/Golden_Rose_Communications_PLC_launches_a_tender_offer_for_London_Jazz_Radio_PLC-250759040 https://web.archive.org/web/20250125143455/http://www.alacrastore.com/storecontent/Thomson_M%26A/Golden_Rose_Communications_PLC_launches_a_tender_offer_for_London_Jazz_Radio_PLC-250759040 dead 25 January 2025 alacrastore.com 30 November 2018 27 November 1991 Williams Rhys Broadcasters battling to be heard https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/broadcasters-battling-to-be-heard-applications-for-four-new-radio-licences-in-london-must-be-in-by-1422233.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/broadcasters-battling-to-be-heard-applications-for-four-new-radio-licences-in-london-must-be-in-by-1422233.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Independent 30 November 2018 13 June 1994 Former finance director Alastair Mackenzie stated that in an interview in 2002 that the station had run out of money three times in 1991, and he also helped with a management buy-in of the station for £435,000 in 1992.https://accountancyage.com/2002/10/11/profile-alastair-mackenzie-jazz-fm-fd/ Profile: Alastair Mackenzie, Jazz fm FD 11 October 2002 Perry Michelle 12 April 2009 AccountancyAge.com Jazz FM's licence was put up for renewal in 1993 by the Radio Authority. As well as Jazz FM, there was a bid for the licence from Euro Jazz London, which included ex-Jazz FM employees.http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/dx/text/NEWS/AMFM/AMFM%2313 AM/FM #13 – July 1993 Hebditch Stephen July 1993 AM/FM 12 April 2009 Jazz FM retained its licence to broadcast.http://ftp.funet.fi/pub/dx/text/NEWS/AMFM/AMFM%2315 AM/FM #15 – September 1993 Hebditch Stephen AM/FM September 1993 In 1994, the name of the station was changed to JFM by the station's management in order to appeal to more listeners who may have been put off by the name "jazz" in Jazz FM, and who thought that Jazz FM only played jazz records.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/business-and-city-summary-1434699.html Business and City Summary 9 May 1994 5 July 2009 The Independent https://web.archive.org/web/20121103112607/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/business-and-city-summary-1434699.html 3 November 2012 live The station spent £500,000 on publicising the name change.http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article399753.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20110616051127/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article399753.ece dead 16 June 2011 All that jazz 5 December 2004 Donovan Paul 7 September 2008 The Times London Richard Wheatly was appointed chief executive officer in 1995 to revive JFM which was running out of money due to both JFM and sister radio station Viva AM, a radio station for women. When Wheatly joined JFM, the station had three months cash remaining in the bank.https://www.managementtoday.co.uk/money-meetings-jazz-when-richard-wheatly-took-jazz-fm-act-fast-ailing-station-lost-its-target-audience-new-launch-viva-fallen-deaf-ears-dealmaking/article/408254 MONEY, MEETINGS AND ALL THAT JAZZ 1 January 2001 Garrett Alexander 2 September 2008 Management Today Golden Rose Communications was floated on the stock exchange in the early part of 1995.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/this-rose-smells-sweet-1291596.html This Rose smells sweet 2 November 1997 12 April 2009 The Independent INM https://web.archive.org/web/20121026113626/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/this-rose-smells-sweet-1291596.html 26 October 2012 live Wheatly sold Viva AM which was losing £100,000 a month before the sale for £3 million to Mohamed Al-Fayed as part of his cost-cutting plans.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/alfayed-buys-viva-radio-for-pounds-3m-1345550.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/alfayed-buys-viva-radio-for-pounds-3m-1345550.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Al-Fayed buys Viva! radio for pounds 3m MacDonald Marianne 4 June 1996 17 August 2014 The Independent After 15 months of being branded as JFM, in the autumn of 1995http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/smooth/smooth.pdf 102.2 Smooth FM (Greater London) 13 April 2007 20 October 2006 Ofcom 2 https://web.archive.org/web/20090508074147/http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/smooth/smooth.pdf 8 May 2009 dead the name reverted to Jazz FM after Wheatly asked the Radio Authority for approval to change the name of the station back from JFM to Jazz FM.http://www.smoothvibes.com/Vaults/secretgarden_2_00.html Smooth jazz radio in the UK – Part 1 Poole Denis 31 August 2008 February 2000 20 July 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080720084513/http://www.smoothvibes.com/Vaults/secretgarden_2_00.html dead The change back to Jazz FM was reported to have cost £900,000. Golden Rose Communications opened a jazz themed restaurant, Cafe Jazbar in Liverpool in April 1997. The restaurant was operated under a joint venture with Regent Inns. A travel service in partnership with Thomas Cook Group and British Airways was also set up. There were plans for jazz retail outlets named "Jazshops" to sell CDs and merchandise.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/jazz-fm-owner-plans-to-move-into-retailing-1258064.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/jazz-fm-owner-plans-to-move-into-retailing-1258064.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Jazz FM owner plans to move into retailing 26 June 1997 Newman Cathy 17 August 2014 The Independent BNET In December 1997, Golden Rose Communications planned to make a bid for Melody 105.4 FMhttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/jazz-fm-owners-to-bid-for-melody-radio-1289278.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/jazz-fm-owners-to-bid-for-melody-radio-1289278.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Jazz FM owners to bid for Melody Radio Newman Cathy 17 December 1997 12 April 2009 The Independent which failed. The station was purchased by EMAP and rebranded Magic 105.4 FM. Jazz FM Regional and ILR FM applications Area Year Successful Applicant Reference North West 1993 (launched 1994) 100.4 Jazz FM(licensed as Jazz FM 100.4, launched as JFM 100.4)http://www.amfm.org.uk/amfmnews/amfm12.html AM/FM No. 12 – June 1993 Hebditch Stephen TQM Communications June 1993 Central Scotland 1998 Beat FMhttp://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/rau/newsroom/Appraisal/central_scotland.htm Assessment of Successful Application By Beat FM 1998 16 August 2008 Radio Authority Ofcom North East England 1998 Galaxy North Easthttp://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/rau/newsroom/news-release/98/pr20.htm Radio Authority Receives Fourteen Applications For New Regional ILR Licence For North-east England 11 March 1998 Radio Authority Ofcom South Wales 1999 Real Radiohttp://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/rau/newsroom/news-release/01/pr135.htm Radio Authority Receives Seven Applications For New Regional ILR Licence For South Wales 23 November 1999 27 April 2009 Radio Authority Ofcom Yorkshire 2001 Real Radiohttp://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/rau/newsroom/news-release/01/pr018.htm Radio Authority receives sixteen applications for new regional ILR licence for South and West Yorkshire 6 February 2001 16 August 2008 Radio Authority Ofcom West Midlands 2003 Kerrang! 105.2http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/rau/newsroom/news-release/03/pr111.htm Radio Authority publishes assessment of Regional Licence Award for West Midlands 22 October 2003 16 August 2008 Radio Authority Ofcom Glasgow 2003 Saga 105.2http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/article41398.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20140819083754/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/news/uk_news/article41398.ece dead 19 August 2014 Grey heads turn on and tune into a new beat 8 June 2003 17 August 2014 The Sunday Times London Beginning in 1998, Jazz FM wanted to expand its operation across the UK. The station made bids to run stations on FM frequencies in Central Scotland, the North East of England, South Wales, Yorkshire, the West Midlands, and Glasgow. Jazz FM withdrew from bidding for an FM licence in the East Midlands because chief executive Richard Wheatly believed that a dance station would secure the licence.https://citywire.com/new-model-adviser/news/jazz-fm-upbeat-despite-digital-blues/a235363 Jazz FM upbeat despite digital blues 6 March 2002 Bowsher Ed 16 August 2008 CityWire The East Midlands FM licence was awarded to Saga 106.6 FM which started broadcasting in 2003. Jazz FM did become a member of the MXR consortium and did launch on DAB multiplexes operated by MXR as well as Switch Digital multiplexes in London and Central Scotland. The station signed a deal with Clear Channel Communications in February 1999. The deal not only invested £3 million into the station but also allowed Jazz FM to advertise on unused advertising billboards.http://www.citywire.co.uk/professional/-/news/other/content.aspx?ID=214143&Page=1 https://archive.today/20130419211321/http://www.citywire.co.uk/professional/-/news/other/content.aspx?ID=214143&Page=1 dead 19 April 2013 JazzFM swings to a better beat 19 October 2000 Bowsher Ed 16 August 2008 CityWire On 12 December 1999, Golden Rose Communications changed its name to Jazz FM plc.http://www.patent.gov.uk/tm/legal/decisions/2001/o40701.pdf Trade Mark Decision on Costs 0/407/01 13 April 2007 22 October 2001 UK Intellectual Property Office 4 In January 2002, Jazz FM plc made a £20 million bid for London talk radio station London News Radio. The bid was backed by the Guardian Media Group (GMG) and Clear Channel International.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2002/01/20/cnjazz20.xml Jazz FM tunes in to London News Radio Benett Neil 19 January 2002 8 June 2008 The TelegraphJuly 2021 medicmedic If the bid had succeeded, the station would have combined London News Radio's operations with its own to save money.Jazz FM launches £20m bid for London News Radio https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/jazz-fm-launches-20m-bid-brlondon-news-radio/15577?src_site=brandrepublic campaignlive 30 November 2018 21 January 2002 The station was later sold to the Chrysalis Group for £23.5 million.Radio rebounds as Chrysalis moves back into profit https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/radio-rebounds-chrysalis-moves-back-profit/164983?src_site=brandrepublic campaignlive 30 November 2018 25 November 2002 In May 2002, GMG made a bid of £41 million to Jazz FM plc at 180p per share.Guardian bids for Jazz FM https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1973054.stm BBC 30 November 2018 7 May 2002 The bid came on the day the draft Communication Bill was published.White Dominic GMG ups the tempo with Jazz FM bid https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2762007/GMG-ups-the-tempo-with-Jazz-FM-bid.html The Telegraph 30 November 2018 7 May 2002 Jazz FM plc's largest shareholder, Clear Channel, had been waiting for a 220p-per-share bid, but agreed to the 180p-per-share bid in late May. Herald Investment Management, which had a 7.7% stake in the company, and Aberforth Partners were unhappy with the 180p-per-share bid.Whitehead Jennifer Jazz FM looks set to go to the Guardian https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/jazz-fm-looks-set-go-guardian/146064?src_site=brandrepublic campaignlive 30 November 2018 23 May 2002 On 6 June, GMG raised its bid to 195p per share to secure the institutional shareholders who were holding out for a better bid.Wray Richard GMG raises Jazz FM bid https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/jun/06/guardianmediagroup.pressandpublishing The Guardian 30 November 2018 6 June 2002 Richard Wheatly announced that he would leave Jazz FM once the takeover was complete.Cassy John Jazz FM boss to quit after takeover https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/jun/19/guardianmediagroup.citynews The Guardian 19 June 2002 3 September 2008 The offer was declared wholly unconditional on 5 July. In December 2002, GMG moved its sales operation from Clear Channel Radio Sales to the Chrysalis Group, inline with the sales operation for other GMG Radio stations.Day Julia Jazz FM sales go to Chrysalis https://www.theguardian.com/media/2002/dec/02/advertising.radio The Guardian 30 November 2018 2 December 2002 Jazz FM TV Plans for a Jazz FM TV channel to start in the middle of 2004 were reported by websiteshttp://www.wotsat.com/arjun8-2003.html Sky Digital news in brief 8 June 2003 What Satellite TV https://web.archive.org/web/20030812001445/http://www.wotsat.com/arjun8-2003.html 12 August 2003 http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/a11168/tv-version-of-jazz-fm-to-launch.html TV version of Jazz FM to launch Wilkes Neil 29 May 2003 8 June 2008 Digital Spy from 2003. The channel would have been a mix of music videos and documentaries.http://www.brandrepublic.com/MediaWeek/News/512828/ GMG reveals its plans to extend Jazz FM onto TV 29 May 2003 2 September 2008 Brand Republic Making way for Smooth FM right|thumb|RAJAR figures for 102.2 Jazz FM/Smooth FM/Smooth Radio In 2005, GMG dropped the name "jazz" name and rebranded Jazz FM Smooth FM. Chief Executive John Myers said, "As sorry as we are to say goodbye to Jazz FM, it's a sad fact of life that it has never made a profit in its 15 years of existence." However, in 2001 Jazz FM plc did make a profit before tax for the six months to December 2000 of £60,000, with most of the profit coming from Hed Kandi and other Jazz FM Records CD sales,Tomlinson Heather Jazz FM to blow its own trumpet at Ibiza superclub http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/jazz-fm-to-blow-its-own-trumpet-at-ibiza-superclub-680648.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080730033732/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/jazz-fm-to-blow-its-own-trumpet-at-ibiza-superclub-680648.html dead 30 July 2008 The Independent 30 November 2018 8 April 2001http://www.mediaweek.co.uk/news/507150/ Jazz FM moves into profit 27 February 2001 5 July 2009 Media Week https://web.archive.org/web/20110718163527/http://www.mediaweek.co.uk/news/507150/ 18 July 2011 live a move of Jazz FM's sales team to Clear Channel's control, saving Jazz FM plc £1 million every year and increased revenues from advertising due to higher audience figures. Jazz FM also announced in 2001 that it had made full year profits before tax of £134,000 to 30 June 2001.http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/14660/jazz-fm-posts-firstever-profit/ Jazz FM posts first-ever profit Whitehead Jennifer 2 October 2001 5 July 2009 Brand Republic https://web.archive.org/web/20120406102805/http://www.brandrepublic.com/news/14660/jazz-fm-posts-firstever-profit/ 6 April 2012 livehttps://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/jazz-fm-trumpets-first-ever-1191176 Jazz fm trumpets first ever profits 22 January 2013 2 October 2001 1 May 2026 Manchester Evening News https://web.archive.org/web/20160108211411/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/jazz-fm-trumpets-first-ever-1191176 8 January 2016 live Other reasons given for rebranding included disappointing RAJAR figures, that the Jazz FM name discouraged people from listening, and that the station wasn't playing enough jazz for the purists. The latter situation was solved by GMG Radio when it invested in the ejazz.fm website and changed the name to jazzfm.com at the same time 102.2 Jazz FM became 102.2 Smooth FM. Included in the investment would be two dedicated jazz stations.Martin Roy JAZZFM London becomes 102.2 smooth fm http://radiotoday.co.uk/2005/02/jazzfm-london-becomes-102-2-smooth-fm/ RadioToday 14 February 2005 18 August 2014 The North West version of Jazz FM was the first to rebrand on 1 March 2004, followed by the London version (including the Freeview and many of the DAB feeds) on 7 June 2005.Perry Ian Aircheck UK – Essex http://www.geocities.com/thehotw/aircheck_UKEssex.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20091022155811/http://geocities.com/thehotw/aircheck_UKEssex.htm dead 22 October 2009 www.webcitation.org 30 November 2018 20 May 2003 During the last few weeks before the start of Smooth FM, Jazz FM changed its jingles slightly from "Smooth Jazz and Classic Soul" to "London's Smooth Favourites" as an indication to listeners of the change to come.Burrell Ian Final coda for Jazz FM as smoothies take the helm https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/final-coda-for-jazz-fm-as-smoothies-take-the-helm-530239.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/final-coda-for-jazz-fm-as-smoothies-take-the-helm-530239.html 1 May 2022 subscription live The Independent 30 November 2018 28 March 2005 Jazz FM in its previous form closed on Friday 27 May 2005. The last track it played was "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" by Ella Fitzgerald.http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.216 Goodbye 102.2 JAZZ FM 14 April 2007 28 May 2005 Radio Today https://web.archive.org/web/20070929092729/http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.216 29 September 2007 dead Return to the airwaves Jazz FM (UK) thumb|right|Hierarchy of Jazz FM from 1990 to present The station continued to broadcast after the launch of Smooth FM under the Jazz FM name as jazzfm.com on the Internet and on Digital Audio Broadcasting in West Central Scotland at a higher bit rate. On 28 February 2008 GMG Radio's chief executive John Myers announced that Jazz FM would return in London, the North West, and the West Midlands on DAB. Myers also said it would make more sense to have a dedicated radio station for jazz listeners than the 45 hours of jazz on Smooth FM, as required by the licence granted to them by Ofcom.http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article3448634.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20080517045427/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/media/article3448634.ece dead 17 May 2008 GMG in talks with Ofcom about Jazz FM return Andrews Amanda 28 February 2008 28 February 2008 The Times London The closing of theJazz on Digital One was one reason for the return of Jazz FM.http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080228/FREE/556837529/1109/-/-/gmg-jazzes-up-digital-radio GMG jazzes up digital radio Chapelard James 28 February 2008 28 February 2008 Crain's Manchester Business 10 May 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130510070916/http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/ dead The relaunch of jazzfm.com, under a three-year deal with The Local Radio Company, happened on 6 October 2008. Playlist When Jazz FM launched, the station played a mixture of mainstream jazz, with the daytime schedules dedicated to smooth jazz and soul. Specialist programming from Jez Nelson and concerts were broadcast in the evening and at weekends.http://www.amfm.org.uk/amfmnews/newsletter1.html AM/FM Newsletter Number One – Spring 1990 14 April 2007 Hebditch Stephen AM/FM https://web.archive.org/web/20080430174427/http://www.amfm.org.uk/amfmnews/newsletter1.html 30 April 2008 dead In 1992, the policy changed, and all non-jazz programming was taken off the schedules. In 1994, alongside the change of name to JFM, the core playlist was changed under agreement with the Radio Authority to give a more mainstream sound of soul, jazz fusion, and blues music, with a requirement that only 25% of music played on the station had to be jazz.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/media--talk-of-the-trade-not-all-that-jazz-1369738.html Media / Talk of the trade: Not all that jazz Leapman Michael 13 April 1994 5 July 2009 The Independent https://web.archive.org/web/20121103112551/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/media--talk-of-the-trade-not-all-that-jazz-1369738.html 3 November 2012 live In 1995, when the name changed back to Jazz FM, smooth jazz and fusion were reduced. More popular mainstream jazz was put in the playlist.http://www.smoothvibes.com/Vaults/secretgarden_3_00.html Smooth jazz radio in the UK – Part 2 Poole Denis 13 April 2007 March 2000June 2026 InternetArchiveBot Chief Executive Officer Richard Wheatly noted the station format was in trouble because of its serious straight jazz playlist. To counteract this downturn in listeners to Jazz FM, beginning in 1998, Wheatly introduced varied jazz into the daytime playlists.http://www.brandrepublic.com/News/88590/OPINION-Question-Time---Richard-Wheatly-Jazz-fms-boss-canfinally-relax-enjoy-sax-cars-says-Rachel-Minter/ OPINION: Question Time With – Richard Wheatly. Jazz fm's boss can finally relax and enjoy sax and cars, says Rachel Minter 3 September 2001 Minter Rachel 16 August 2008 Brand Republic Beginning in February 1998, smooth jazz and soul were more integrated into the core playlist of Jazz FM. Although from the start Jazz FM played jazz, soul and softer R&B were added to appeal to the 25-45-year-old market. This was especially true after GMG Radio took over the running of the station and in November 2004 after an agreement with Ofcom, when jazz was dropped from the daytime playlists. John Simon, GMG programme director, said that the station was never licensed as a jazz station, but as a station that played a broad range of black music styles. Music policy criticism right Why not pull out altogether and hand the wavelength to a company happy to play jazz? That, after all, is its broadcasting mandate. Jack Massarik Evening Standard Since the station began in 1990, fans of traditional and modern jazz criticised Jazz FM for playing more 'accessible' music, such as smooth jazz,http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article1037137.ece Hush the slush 5 March 2004 Davis Clive 7 September 2008 The Times London 16 June 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110616050855/http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/article1037137.ece https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/jazz-killed-by-smooth-operators-483775.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/jazz-killed-by-smooth-operators-483775.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Jazz killed by smooth operators 18 February 2005 Byrnes Sholto 7 September 2008 The Independent British jazz and blues singer George Melly stated to The Independent in 2003 that he had become so disillusioned with Jazz FM's playlist he had stopped listening to the station, describing the music as "middle of the road". Grammy Award-winning jazz musician John Chilton stated that Jazz FM was failing to reach its remit for jazz and that he would prefer the station adopt a jazz-only policy.Hastings Chris Bisset Susan 'Bland' Jazz FM under fire for playing too much pop https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1423492/Bland-Jazz-FM-under-fire-for-playing-too-much-pop.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120225200643/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1423492/Bland-Jazz-FM-under-fire-for-playing-too-much-pop.html live 25 February 2012 1 March 2003 7 September 2008 The Daily Telegraph In March 2003 the Radio Authority (embodied into Ofcom, the UK government's communications regulator) investigated Jazz FM after it received two complaints from listeners that the station was playing more pop music after changes to the playlist in January 2003.Watchdog probes Jazz FM. Published by BBC News on 3 March 2003. Retrieved 17 August 2006. Musicians played on Jazz FM which were alleged to have infringed its licence included U2, Eric Clapton, and Van Morrison. Chris Hodgkins, director of Jazz Service, which is funded by the Arts Council in the UK, stated he would lodge a complaint with the Radio Authority because jazz musicians were being denied airplay due to daytime play of soul and smooth jazz. Jazz FM was cleared by the Radio Authority of any breach in June 2003.http://www.brandrepublic.com/Marketing/News/181939/ Jazz FM cleared 5 June 2003 2 September 2008 Brand Republic By the end of the investigation, it was revealed that fifteen people had complained that Jazz FM was not playing enough jazz.http://www.mad.co.uk/BreakingNews/BreakingNews/Articles/abe42ddec5ab43dd9f40ae1e4bcb4873/Jazz-FM-plays-enough-jazz,-watchdog-says.html Jazz FM plays enough jazz, watchdog says Dancer Helene 3 June 2003 5 July 2009 Mad.co.uk https://web.archive.org/web/20120224053430/http://www.mad.co.uk/BreakingNews/BreakingNews/Articles/abe42ddec5ab43dd9f40ae1e4bcb4873/Jazz-FM-plays-enough-jazz,-watchdog-says.html 24 February 2012 dead As part of its licence agreement with Jazz FM, Ofcom stated that Jazz FM had to dedicate at least 50% of the daytime output before 19:00 to jazz, and that the music "must sit well with the label jazz". However, from 15 November 2004, as part of an agreement with GMG, Ofcom agreed to allow GMG to change the format, with the 50% jazz in daytime requirement dropped. John Myers said, "The policy we are going on is ratings by day, reputation by night. Jazz is much more of a night-time listen so the changes fit well." As a result, jazz was increased from 40 to 45 hourshttp://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=10683 Jazz FM broadens daytime output 16 November 2004 2 September 2008 Music Week and the Dinner Jazz programme hours were increased from two to three.http://www.geocities.com/thehotw/aircheck_UKBucks.htm Aircheck UK – Buckinghamshire Perry Ian 19 February 2005 2 September 2008 Aircheck UK https://web.archive.org/web/20091022042742/http://geocities.com/thehotw/aircheck_UKBucks.htm 22 October 2009 deadhttp://www.brandrepublic.com/News/228078/Jazz-FM-drops-traditional-playlist-appeal-advertisers/ Jazz FM drops traditional playlist to appeal to advertisers Matthews Sam 15 October 2004 2 September 2008 Brand Republic In a 2006 article for theJazz, musician Digby Fairweather said Jazz FM had turned into a "tragic and swift disaster story" and that the change of playlist was "responsible for both the attempted rape and (fortunately abortive) re-definition of the music" to which no-one within the Jazz FM coverage area would forgive.http://www.flyglobalmusic.com/fly/archives/europe_features/new_jazz_station_goodbye_to_th.html New Jazz Station – Goodbye to the Smooth, Hello to the Classics 16 February 2008 Fairweather Digby 18 November 2006 Fly Global Music Culture dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080304122322/http://www.flyglobalmusic.com/fly/archives/europe_features/new_jazz_station_goodbye_to_th.html 4 March 2008 Jingles, slogans, and branding British jazz singer Kay Garner was asked by Dave Lee, founder of Jazz FM, to sing jingles for the station when it began in 1990.Kay Garner Biography https://web.archive.org/web/20060713235617/http://www.kaygarner.com/biography.html 13 July 2006 . Retrieved 17 August 2006. Jazz FM has had other jingles and slogan. The most well known was the "Listen in Colour" (featuring the Jazz FM chameleon) strapline, poster advertising campaign and CD in January 1997.https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/jazz-fm-launches-rsquolisten-colour-rsquo-poster-campaign/20884 Jazz FM launches 'listen in colour' poster campaign Owen John 9 January 1997 2 September 2008 registration live https://web.archive.org/web/20191118063315/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/jazz-fm-launches-rsquolisten-colour-rsquo-poster-campaign/20884 18 November 2019 Campaign The campaign was created by the Willox Ambler Rodford Law advertising agency.http://www.adforum.com/creative-work/ad/player/9250/ Listen in Colour, Jazz FM 27 March 2007 AdForum The campaign was credited with a 48% increase in RAJAR listening figures from 437,000 to 650,000 in the last quarter of 1997.https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/monthly-rajar-data-shows-jazz-fm-virgin-making-leaps/28610 Monthly Rajar data shows Jazz FM and Virgin making leaps Beale Claire 27 February 1998 2 September 2008 Campaign https://web.archive.org/web/20110813182315/http://www.campaignlive.co.uk/news/28610/Monthly-Rajar-data-shows-Jazz-FM-Virgin-making-leaps/ 13 August 2011 live Later in 2002 a poster campaign by WARL was started with the chameleon peering through a misted window with the tagline "Come into the Cool".https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/news-brief-jazz-fm-launch-poster-campaign/80192 Jazz FM to launch poster campaign 10 January 2002 2 September 2008 registration live https://web.archive.org/web/20250126153617/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/news-brief-jazz-fm-launch-poster-campaign/80192 26 January 2025 Campaign Other slogans include "The Rhythm of the City" and afterwards, during the GMG era, "Get It On" created by Kitcatt Nohr Alexander Shaw,https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/jazz-fm-marketing-campaign-breaks-april-7/176116 Jazz FM marketing campaign breaks on 7 April 3 April 2003 2 September 2008 registration live https://web.archive.org/web/20250126221107/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/jazz-fm-marketing-campaign-breaks-april-7/176116 26 January 2025 Campaign though on-air it was swiftly replaced by "Smooth Jazz and Classic Soul". The £5 million relaunch with Manning Gottlieb over three years from 2003 brought an end to the Jazz FM chameleonhttps://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/jazz-fm-appoints-manning-gottlieb-5m-relaunch/170838 Jazz FM appoints Manning Gottlieb to £5m relaunch 20 February 2003 2 September 2008 registration live https://web.archive.org/web/20250222215543/https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/jazz-fm-appoints-manning-gottlieb-5m-relaunch/170838 22 February 2025 Campaign because extensive research carried out by GMG Radio found that few people could associate and recall the chameleon with Jazz FM.http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/home/jazz-fm-hands-kitcatt-%C2%A32m-brief-for-relaunch/2032347.article Jazz FM hands Kitcatt £2m brief for relaunch 23 January 2003 3 January 2011 Marketing Week The Bespoke Music Company created the Jazz FM jingles which were in use since 1 January 2003, until 102.2 Jazz FM was relaunched as 102.2 Smooth FM.http://www.bespokemusic.co.uk/ The Bespoke Music Company 27 March 2007 The Bespoke Music Company Availability As well as on FM in London, Jazz FM was made available on digital radio in the United Kingdom via the Sky Digital platform on 30 April 2002Jazz FM added to EPG http://media247.co.uk/skydigital/newsarchive/2002/04/jazz_fm_added_t.php https://web.archive.org/web/20060303013956/http://media247.co.uk/skydigital/newsarchive/2002/04/jazz_fm_added_t.php dead 3 March 2006 30 November 2018 30 April 2002 and on the Freeview platform on 30 October 2002.Freeview launch date https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2002/10_october/03/freeview_launchdate.shtml www.bbc.co.uk 30 November 2018 3 October 2002 Both were preceded by test transmissions. Jazz FM was available on DAB digital radio on MXR multiplexes in England, South Wales, and Central Scotland (excluding MXR North West, which hosted the defunct 100.4 Jazz FM service for the North West) and the Switch Digital multiplex covering Greater London. Jazz FM was broadcast around the world on the Internet through its website. Jazz FM events Jazz FM Events specialised in setting up and providing events based on jazz and soul. This included concerts and performances in bars in the UK.http://www.jazzfm.co.uk/whatson/w_events.php JAZZFM Events 27 March 2007 GMG Radio Internet Archive https://web.archive.org/web/20050205145214/http://www.jazzfm.co.uk/whatson/w_events.php 5 February 2005 Jazz FM connections Jazz FM Connections was a dating site run by People2People.com. The service required an individual to pay a subscription to chat and meet people registered on the service. The service continued as Smooth FM Connections and later became Smooth Soulmates.http://www.people2people.co.uk/NEPwelcome.asp?sitecode=jazzfm Welcome to JAZZFM connections. 27 March 2007 People2People https://web.archive.org/web/20060207090344/http://www.people2people.co.uk/NEPwelcome.asp?sitecode=jazzfm 7 February 2006 dead Bring a Pound to Work Day Jazz FM, like its counterpart GMG radio stations, held 'Bring a Pound to Work Day' in late October/early November 2003/2004. Listeners were asked to donate and collect pound coins for a local children's charity – Nordoff-Robbins in 2003 and the Lennox Children's Cancer Fund the following year.Jazz FM to host Christmas charity show https://www.musicweek.com/news/read/jazz-fm-to-host-christmas-charity-show/027313 www.musicweek.com 30 November 2018 30 November 2004 Listeners could also text message for donations at a cost of £1.50, of which £1 went to the charity. Jazz FM has held auctions to raise money for charity. Former specialist programmes Many of the programmes that played on Jazz FM continued to be broadcast on 102.2 Smooth FM and were made available for download on the jazzfm.com website until 2008. Andy Peebles' Soul and Soccer: A three-hour show on Saturday afternoons featuring soul music alongside soccer updates and scores. The show continues on 100.4 Smooth FM but is now entirely playlisted and musically mirrors the station's normal music output. Behind the Mask: A six-part series which was commissioned in early 2003 following GMG's purchase of the station which saw vocalist Alison Moyet profiling well-known figures within the jazz industry. Behind the Mic: An occasional series which tended to air on Saturday lunchtimes between 1 pm and 2 pm – famous figures within the jazz/soul industry were invited to play their favourite songs. Dinner Jazz: One of Jazz FM's flagship shows on weekdays between 7 pm and 9 pm/10 pm featuring easy listening and jazz. The show made a return as part of Jazz FM's return in October 2008. Drivetime with Russell Pockett: A four-hour show playing jazz and soul music, included the Million Sellers at 3 pm, which only played songs that sold a million records or over and the Top 3 Most Requested at 5 pm, where a listener requests three pieces of music to be played in sequence on the show. Hed Kandi: Hed Kandi had two parts: between 2 am and 5 am, presenters Mark Doyle and Andy Norman played dance music for the "post-clubbing generation". Then, for one hour between 5 am and 6 am, the Hed Kandi Chillout Hour played more chilled out music. Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis: A show which features classic jazz recordings from major and influential jazz artists. Mainstem with Campbell Burnap: A two-hour programme which included many forms of jazz from classic to Latin as well as a mix of jazz from the younger players of the day. Mike Chadwick's Cutting Edge: A two-hour show on Saturday nights featuring contemporary jazz music. The Cutting Edge was also produced for jazzfm.com, theJazz and part of the programming for the relaunch of jazzfm.com to Jazz FM in October 2008. Paul Gambaccini's Jazz 20: A jazz chart show which was originally broadcast on Saturdays but which moved to Sundays in 2004, and became the Jazz 40 between 5 pm and 8 pm. Peter Young's The Soul Cellar: A show on Sunday afternoons which featured soul music, including northern soul. Sidetrax: A half-hour show (1990–1991) from 10 pm on Saturday nights doubly presented by curators from the British Library Sound Archive in which a broad selection of jazz tracks was alternated with world and popular music according to a chosen theme. Introduced in a one-hour live special with Malcolm Laycock on the station's first day of transmission, the programme ran in its original form for over a year with Chris Clark and Lucy Duran as the main presenters. Sidetrax transferred to a slot within Somethin' Else in February 1991 and continued until May that year. Smooth Jazz Through the Night: A three-hour show through the night which played well known smooth jazz records from the archives of Jazz FM. Somethin' Else: A four-hour show on week nights featuring contemporary and classic jazz music, competitions and listener contributions. Presented and produced by Jez Nelson and Chris Phillips. The Late Lounge with Rosie Kendrick: A two-hour show featuring chillout grooves and jazz. In 2008, the show was brought back on the relaunched Jazz FM and presented by Claire Anderson. Tony Blackburn's Real Party Night: A show presented by Tony Blackburn featuring lively soul and disco music from the ages. Tony Blackburn also presented a show on Jazz FM called Real Soul between 10 pm and 12 am on weeknights from March 2003 for twelve months. Real Soul was replaced by a three-hour show from 1 March 2004 featuring jazz, soul and R&B music presented by Clive Warren.http://www.gmgradio.co.uk/newsarticles/news35.html JAZZFM hits high note with Warren and Peebles https://web.archive.org/web/20060323033848/http://www.gmgradio.co.uk/newsarticles/news35.html 23 March 2006 . Published by GMG Radio on 23 February 2004. Retrieved 17 August 2006.http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/broadcasting/a13620/blackburn-dropped-from-jazz-fm-evenings.html Blackburn dropped from Jazz FM evenings Wilkes Neil 26 February 2004 8 June 2008 Digital Spy Notable former presenters 30em Claire Anderson Tony Blackburn Campbell Burnap Mark Doyle Digby Fairweather Ruth Fisher Paul Gambaccini Jonny Gould Angie Greaves Kevin Greening Chris Hawkins Nicky Horne Paul Joneshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturecritics/david-gritten/5250037/Paul-Jones-the-man-who-could-have-been-in-the-Rolling-Stones.html https://web.archive.org/web/20090504081110/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturecritics/david-gritten/5250037/Paul-Jones-the-man-who-could-have-been-in-the-Rolling-Stones.html dead 4 May 2009 Paul Jones: the man who could have been in the Rolling Stones 30 April 2009 18 May 2009 Gritten David The Daily Telegraph Dave Koz Malcolm Laycock (former programme controller) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/culture-obituaries/tv-radio-obituaries/6575899/Malcolm-Laycock.html Malcolm Laycock obituary The Daily Telegraph 15 November 2009 19 November 2009 Ramsey Lewis Helen Mayhew Chris Philips Jez Nelson Charles Nove Bill Oddie Andy Peebles Gilles Petersonhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/gillespeterson/biography.shtml Gilles' Biography 12 December 2010 BBC Chris Philips Russell Pockett Mike Shaft Tim Smith Clive Warren Jeff Young Jazz FM Records Jazz FM employee Mark Doyle created and marketed many of the later Jazz FM compilations and created the Hed Kandi label, running and compiling the albums until his departure in 2005. From 2000 Hed Kandi began to market events appearing at nightclubs around the world. The most successful events were the residencies in Ibiza at El Divino and at Pacha in London. Hed Kandi also started the record labels Stereo Sushi & The Acid Lounge and had with Stonebridge. In November 2001, Ministry of Sound and Jazz FM plc made a deal whereby Ministry of Sound would distribute all Jazz FM records. Jazz FM Records was renamed Enterprise Records, which in turn was bought by the Ministry of Sound record label from GMG for an undisclosed sum in January 2006. However, under plans to relaunch jazzfm.com as Jazz FM, the Jazz FM Records label was brought back.29 June 2008 Wheatley to relaunch Jazz FM http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.3540.2 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110105230158/http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.3540.2 5 January 2011 29 June 2008 Radio Today Jazz FM Records discography 101 Eastbound A Cellar Full of Soul Absolute Blues Brazilian Nights Breezin' Dinner Jazz American Classics Disco Jazz Dreamin' Driftin Guitar, Saxes and More Inspired Inspired 2 Jazz FM – The Album Jazz of the Beat Generation Late Lounge Presents Boudoir Beats Mitchell & Dewbury – Beyond The Rains Nu Cool Nu Cool 2 Ocean Drive Pacific Coast Highway Paul Hardcastle – 1983 – 2003, The Very Best of Paul Hardcastle Paul Hardcastle – Three Pure Smooth Jazz Soho Jazz Sounds Soul Inspired Spirit of the Street: The Very Best of Inner City Cool The Late Lounge The Late Lounge 2 The Late Lounge Presents Angels The Perrier Jazz Award Winners The Soul of Smooth Jazz The Soul of Smooth Jazz – Volume 2 The Very Best of Smooth Jazz The Very Best of Smooth Jazz – Volume 2 The Very Best of Jazz FM The Very Best of Jazz FM – Volume 2 Tom and Joyce Tony Blackburn – Soul Survivor Velvet – Smooth Moods Velvet – Smooth Moods 2 Venice Beach See also Jazz FM (UK) 100.4 Jazz FM 102.2 Smooth FM References External links Archived Jazz FM website at Internet Archive collapsed Category:Radio stations in London Category:Defunct radio stations in the United Kingdom Category:Radio stations established in 1990 Category:Radio stations disestablished in 2005 Category:Jazz radio stations in the United Kingdom Category:1990 establishments in England Category:2005 disestablishments in England