Europe 1 goes back to its full service roots

France's Lagardère-owned Europe 1 is returning to its full service roots, with a new schedule that includes entertainment, music and variety shows.

In 1997, Europe 1 switched to an talk/news format with an emphasis on news, sports and listener contacts. The move back to the original full service format puts Europe 1 in direct competition with RTL Group's market-leading RTL and public service outlet France Inter.

Several of the station's stars from the past have been brought back to participate in the chat show Le débat des grandes voix. The music chart Le Top 50 also makes a comeback and a new culture show – Studio Europe 1 – has been given a daily evening slot.

"Full service radio doesn't need to be bland and boring. I'm convinced that the winning format for Europe 1 is to return to the station's roots" says Europe 1's managing director Alexandre Bompard to the Paris daily Libération.

Alexandre Bompard has stated that he expects to turn Europe 1 into a profitable operation during 2009. He also wants to increase off-air business, so that it reaches 15-20% of Europe 1's total sales.

Europe 1 was launched in 1955, as a competitor to the then Luxembourg based RTL. The station was bought by the Lagardère group in 1986.

Fires threaten Los Angeles radio

The current fires in Los Angeles are now very close to Mount Wilson, the site of most of the city's FM transmitters.

On Wednesday, Los Angeles Times reported that officials believe that ”aggressive water and gel drops from aircraft helped prevent the mountain from taking a direct hit from the flames.”

As a precaution, CBS Radio has moved its FM stations to KROQ’s site in the Verdugo hills above Burbank.

Don Thomson leaves Global Radio

Don Thomson is stepping down as COO of Global Radio, the leading commercial radio company in the U.K.

Don Thomson has 24 years of experience in the commercial radio industry and was previously the commercial and operating officer at Chrysalis Radio, which was bought by Global Radio in 2007. The following year, Thomson was involved in Global's take-over of GCap.

"Don has made a great contribution to Global Radio and we thank him for all his hard work. Whilst we regret his decision, we fully understand his position and wish him every success in the future" comments Global's CEO Stephen Mirron in statement.

Global Radio isn't expected to name a new COO.