Global Radio is planning to nationalise programming as part of its biggest shake-up at its Heart and Galaxy networks since it acquired the former Chrysalis stations last year.

The radio group, which last week agreed to buy Capital 95.8 owner GCap, is implementing a cost-cutting drive across its networks, which will see local programming slashed and a major increase in networked shows.

Ashley Tabor, the chief executive of Global Radio, said the move, which follows Ofcom’s recent relaxation on the broadcast of local programming, will for the first time offer advertisers a “national proposition”.

Stations will broadcast part national and part local shows, according to the time of day.

He said: “When we started here what you heard on Heart in London was not very similar to what you heard on Heart in the east or west midlands.

“They were really quite different radio stations. They were the same name and the same jingles but that’s where the similarities ended. It’s about offering advertisers a national proposition.”

Sources said today that it is possible that the new syndication strategy could be extended to the new GCap brands

It is understood that Global Radio is keen to further exploit the Heart and Galaxy brands, eventually using these brands to rename less sucessful GCap stations.

There are expected to be 12 redundancies as a result of the shakeup.

Global Radio insisted that station identities will remain strongly localised with continued regional programming including local breakfast shows and local news and travel. The Galaxy network hub will be based in Leeds, with the Heart network situated in London.

Mr Tabor added: “It will be national at the right time of day and local at the right time of day, offering people local programming when they really want it. What you end up with is a quasi-national radio station.”

Nick Snaith's London afternoon show on Heart 106.2 networked across the other Heart stations in the east and west midlands, and on digital. Shows from Galaxy presenters including Sacha Brooks, Matt Spokes, and Adele Roberts will also be networked.

Mr Tabor added:"People assume networking is about big name DJs. It’s not, it’s about quality presenters. If you take 50 different radio stations there cannot possibly be 50 good presenters at every station in a particular slot. Why not take the two or three quality class players and put them across the network.”

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