Public File (Manchester)
Hits Radio Manchester, like each local commercial station in the UK has obligations with regard to its programmes, including its music and local content. These obligations are set out in the station Format which forms part of our Public File.
The Public File is just one indicator of our output. Just ask us if you’d like a hard copy. If you have any comments on it, let us know or, if necessary, contact our regulator, Ofcom.
News
Except in special or exceptional circumstances (which may include some bank holiday periods,) the station broadcasts news bulletins hourly from 0600 until 1900, with additional headlines in evening drive periods. Bulletins contain a mix of local/regional, national and world stories, along with sport, weather and entertainment news.
At the weekend, bulletins containing local/regional, national and world news, along with sport, weather and entertainment news, are broadcast between 0700 and 1300.
Additionally, at other times, bulletins containing national and world news, prepared by Sky, may be broadcast in some hours.
Our news pages online show some of our most recent stories, and the news team is managed by the Head of News, Michelle Livesey – michelle.livsey@hitsradio.co.uk
You can contact the news team on news@hitsradio.co.uk or 0161 288 5000.
The news operation is based at our studios in Manchester for the most part and during peak times. From time to time, some content is prepared from other Bauer Radio Limited newsrooms.
Programmes
The station broadcasts twenty four hours a day, with programmes as listed per the schedule on our website.
Programme Production
Programming on Hits Radio Manchester is live from our Manchester studios and not regularly automated, however some content may be recorded minutes before broadcast on programmes outside of 06:00-10:00 and 16:00-19:00 weekdays.
Occasional weekend programmes may be automated, however these shows may be live in times of adverse weather or other relevant circumstances
Local Programming
Except in special or exceptional circumstances (e.g. specials), Hits Radio programmes are generally broadcast from our studios in Manchester.
Our Manchester Studios are based at:
Hits Radio
Castle Quay
Castlefield
Manchester
M15 4PR
Guidelines
Guidelines on localness have been published by our regulator OFCOM, and are available here: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/broadcasting/radio/localness/localness-guidelines
Contact
To contact the radio station generally, use our ‘contact us’ page and we’ll make every effort to reply to any emails which raise substantive issues. Should you prefer to speak to programme management, please contact Paul Gerrard, Programme Director on paul.gerrard@bauermedia.co.uk
You can also contact the station during office hours on 0161 288 5000.
Events/Charities support or coverage
The station stages several events and charity initiatives through the year.
Hits Radio Live brings the biggest names in pop music to the Manchester Arena every year, whilst our charity Hits Radio Cash for Kids raises thousands for Children in Greater Manchester that really need it through appeals across the year such as Superhero Day and Mission Christmas.
Recent Programme and/or News Highlights
Our website covers much of the programming we’re proud of (general and, where appropriate, news).
Recent news stories include our campaign for Caitlin – where we’ve petitioned to make roads safer.
Localness
We aim that our radio stations belong to the areas they serve. Any suggestions or thoughts on our output are always much valued.
Music
Hits Radio is licensed to play ‘mainstream music’. It plays, accordingly, a mix of current mainstream pop songs alongside classic chart hits from the last 20 years. Examples of some of the artists we feature include: Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas, Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, Jess Glynne, Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Little Mix, Maroon Five, Coldplay, Pink, Rihanna and Taylor Swift.
Format
As outlined at the head of this document, the station is governed by a Format, which forms part of our licence. Our Format is available on the Ofcom website.
How to complain
Live, entertaining radio always carries some risk. We try to get things right, and not all programmes will be to everyone’s taste. Where we do make mistakes, we’ll try to take appropriate action as quickly as we can. Please do get in touch with any comments – praise or complaints and we’ll consider them carefully.
To speak to us directly, our weekday office hours phone numbers are above. Should you have any difficulties, please speak to our Programme Director, Paul Gerrard – paul.gerrard@bauermedia.co.uk
If you feel we have not taken the right action regarding a broadcast after contacting us, you may refer the matter to our regulator, Ofcom.