Planet Rock � which features on-air hosts Alice Cooper, Joe Elliott and Joe Bonamassa, amongst others � had been on the market for some time as former owner Malcolm Bluemel tried to stem losses of approximately �300,000 a year. Much of the cost came from broadcasting charges of around �1m per annum.

Bluemel says: "Planet Rock is going to a great home. Bauer is a business that really cares about building brands and music radio in particular. The station is in safe hands with the new owners and I'm looking forward to following its success."