An in-depth investigation is to take place into a series of radio takeovers by Bauer Media, owners of Carlisle’s CFM station.

The Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) has confirmed that a panel of independent CMA panel members will now undertake a detailed probe into Bauer Media’s completed takeover of radio businesses it bought from Celador Entertainment Limited, namely Lincs FM Group Limited, UKRD Group Limited and The Wireless Group Limited.

The decision to move to the second phase of investigation comes after the CMA concluded an initial investigation into the takeovers, which it fears could lead to the demise of First Radio Sales Limited (FRS).

It also raised concerns over other Bauer Media acquisitions of some “key rivals” to their existing local radio stations in the Yorkshire, West Midlands and west of England.

The CMA said it would press on with the second phase of the investigation – which is due to be completed by January 21 next year – if Bauer Media was unable to address its concerns, which were revealed last month.

The primary focus of its investigation had been on how the acquisitions could affect the future viability of FRS, which sells radio advertising on behalf of over 100 independent local radio stations across the UK.

As the only firm providing these stations with access to national advertisers, the CMA expressed concerns that the acquisitions could hit FRS’ customer base and force it to close.

Without FRS, independent local radio stations could “lose access to revenues from national radio advertising sales” and could result in customers facing “higher prices and a lower quality service”, said the CMA.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has already declined to intervene in the Celador takeover after the CMA referred it to the Government department.

Carlisle-based CFM forms part of Bauer's Hits Radio Network of stations, which also includes Metro Radio in Newcastle, Rock FM in Lancashire, and Radio Aire in Leeds.

Based at Kingstown, it broadcasts across north Cumbria and parts of south west Scotland.

In June, it was revealed that locally produced weekend shows will be dropped from the station and instead be produced at a network hub in Manchester.

And last week, Bauer Media confirmed that local breakfast and drivetime shows on its West Sound station – which transmits across south west Scotland and parts of north Cumbria – would be axed, with new shows broadcast from Glasgow.

Amidst the changes in air, Bauer Media has signalled its intention to apply for digital licence services across Cumbria after communications regulator Ofcom advertised their availability.