Bauer Media completes acquisition of Orion Media

The Bauer Media Group has acquired the market-leading Midlands based commercial radio group Orion Media, which operates the Free Radio and Gem radio brands.

Reaching more than 1.25m million people weekly, Free Radio and Gem complement Bauer’s network of city stations and extend the total reach of Bauer‘s national and regional radio brands to 17.4 million. The move sees Bauer Media’s share of UK commercial radio listening increase to 34% and further develops it’s unique offer to advertisers and commercial partners.

The award-winning teams at Free Radio and Gem deliver much loved, compelling, local content in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Derby, Leicester, Hereford & Worcester and Nottingham.

Paul Keenan, CEO, Bauer Media commented, “Free Radio and Gem are influential radio stations in one of the UK’s fastest growing regions.

He continued, “Bauer’s desire to build out its extensive radio business is testament to the nature of the industry which continues to be a strong, robust and growing platform, thriving in the always-on, mobile, connected world. It’s promise of music discovery and curated entertainment; intimate companionship; and trusted and vital local news make it relevant and essential to its growing audience.”

“Bauer Media’s leadership in digital and personalised advertising technology such as InStream+ will accelerate the development of the brands and we look forward to working with the team to grow the business.”

Adrian Serle, CEO, Orion Media said, “”Orion has established market-leading status for audiences and revenues in each of its markets, something our teams should be immensely proud of – we are extremely confident that the business will continue to thrive under Bauer’s ownership”