Criticism aired about controversial changes to Chesterfield’s Peak FM

Earlier this year, it was announced Peak FM would be one of 49 local stations to be rebranded as Greatest Hits Radio by owners Bauer Media.

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That transition started earlier this month with only breakfast hosts Laura and Ricky continuing in their weekday morning slot ahead of the station making its full change to Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire in early September.

A number of presenters at Peak FM have lost their jobs – but Bauer Media has brought in several national presenters, including former Radio One DJs Mark Goodier and Pat Sharp, to fill the airwaves.

On Peak FM’s Facebook page, a number of people were critical of the changes.

Mandy Ring said: “I switch off at 10am now after Laura and Ricky.”

Elaine McLaren said: “I have to say Peak FM is absolutely rubbish now. Bring back our old presenters.”

Claire Hodgkiss said: “I won’t be listening from now on. We need local radio.”

Aaron Thomas Riggott said: “Absolutely rubbish! A great radio station ruined.”

Journalist Christa Ackroyd has also written this column for our sister title, The Yorkshire Post, in which she raises concerns about the changes.

She said: “If the last few months has taught us anything, it is that community is everything.

“So why, at a time when there is a call for decentralising the power of media and even politics, are we in danger of losing the very bedrock of our local identity... local radio?”

The Derbyshire Times asked Bauer Media if it wanted to respond to the criticism – but the company declined and pointed out this FAQ about the changes.

Graham Bryce, a group managing director at Bauer Media, previously said: “We’re pleased to welcome in this pivotal new chapter for the station as we launch a new line-up of esteemed nationally-known presenters.

"Reimagining local radio for the future is a vital part of securing its future success – and these changes have been designed to offer listeners access to fantastic new shows alongside all the local news content, local information and traffic and travel that is important to them.”

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