As far as I’m aware Brian, it’s still independently owned and operated.

More info now available on Radio Today – http://radiotoday.co.uk/2012/01/fresh-radio-cuts-staff-ahead-of-changes/

“Skipton-based Fresh Radio which covers the Yorkshire Dales has reduced its live output from today ahead of possible changes to the licence.

Radio Today understands the current owners are in discussions with a potential buyer and Ofcom to work out a future for the previously troubled station.”

UKRD is one potential suitor. If they had money, Lincs could be another, but I certainly wouldn’t see that as a good thing for Fresh listeners.

This licence has always been a tricky one to eek money out of and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a huge patch, served mainly be AM – which works well on a summers day but can be less than useless on a winters night. There’s also a lack of major national brands on the patch.
It’s harsh but a business truth that the best option is takeover. IF UKRD do go for it then my hunch is they will break it up. Adding the FM relays in Ikley and Pateley Bridge to Stray, giving it a nice wealthy addition. The FM for Richmond has synergy with Star and that could work well for them.
If Skipton has FM in place, then that could easily work as an extention of 2BR.
As a whole station on AM I can’t see the appeal but as a bundle of frequencies in a white area, then it becomes interesting.
Here’s hoping the people affected by this find places to go.

I think that splitting the are is possible, especially for the FM services. The AM in Richmond has gone, so that just leaves 936 in Hawes and the two 1431 TXs in the Skipton area, which were to be switched off anyway when FM coverage was completed, which I guess will not happen. As you say it is a large and diverse area so it is going to be interesting to see who goes for it and what they decide.

Hello. Just to let you know, the redundancies were going on for a while. But full respect to all the presenters that kept loyal. I listened to the last shows, and as ever they were professional to the end. Some you may know. Others may be not. But having worked at many ‘bigger stations’ these guys were wonderful knowing the outcome. I wish them all well. The support they showed deserves them a good future. I also was made redundant from thus stationa whileback, as were others, but not, one person I know regrets working there. What a lovely place and all those that made it happen.

Ihope it answers some questions

Those guys were wonderful. I wish them so well!
Really nice guys and professional.
But then I was sales and brought in 8 times my salary and got dumped. So be it
F

8 Times?!

If I ever win the lottery and buy a station will you come and work for me please?!