Bauer plans to replace Absolute Radio on FM in London with GHR
Bauer Media has asked Ofcom for permission to put Greatest Hits Radio on 105.8FM in London, replacing Absolute Radio.
A format request change has been submitted and the regulator will now take the decision to public consultation, although Ofcom says it has taken a preliminary view on the request and is minded to grant it.
In the last published RAJAR results, Absolute Radio London had 743,000 listeners and 7.5 average hours.
Absolute Radio (previously known as Virgin Radio) has been broadcasting on 105.8 in London since April 1995 after a campaign to take the station national on FM failed, but succeeded in London.
Country Hits Radio is getting a rebrand and joining the Absolute Radio family of stations.
It is changing its name to Absolute Radio Country, making it the 10th full time station in the network.
The service is currently on DAB in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, Lancashire, Humberside, Tyne & Wear, Teesside, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Tayside, Inverness and Ayr, with most programming coming from Manchester.
The rebrand is expected to take place in May 2021.
In other changes, Absolute Radio 00s will be added to DAB, while Absolute Radio 70s and Absolute Radio 10s will gain DAB+ coverage in London.