included TalkSport and the relaunched Virgin Radio UK. Station sale; rebrand as Greatest Hits Radio (2020) On 8 February 2019, Swansea Sound was sold alongside The Wave and the Wireless Group's network of local radio stations to Bauer Radio. The sale was ratified in March 2020 following an inquiry by the Competition and Markets Authority. Under the terms of the deal, both Swansea Sound and The Wave, along with over 40 stations brought by Bauer in a “hold separate” ownership until early 2020. On 27 May 2020, Bauer announced that Swansea Sound would rebrand and join the Greatest Hits Radio network from 1 September 2020. Most of the station's local output - including Breakfast, daytime and Welsh language shows - was retained due to conditions placed on the station's AM broadcast licence by OFCOM. As of April 2021, Greatest Hits Radio broadcasts 15 hours of local programming each weekday, four hours on Saturdays and six hours on Sundays, alongside hourly local news bulletins and peak-time traffic updates. In July 2022, Greatest Hits Radio ended broadcasting on its medium-wave transmitter (1170 kHz) in South West Wales, after nearly 48 years on air. The closedown also removed the OFCOM requirement for the station to broadcast separate programming. Local programming cuts On 12 January 2023, it was reported that Greatest Hits Radio would replace its local daytime programming - including breakfast, morning and afternoon shows - with networked output from April 2023. Bauer management told the industry news website, RadioToday, that the separate content for South Wales was no longer viable going forwards, but the station would retain its late-night Welsh-language programme, airing from Sunday to Thursday nights. As of September 2022, RAJAR reported the station had a reach of 14,000 weekly listeners. A small number of contracts for freelance presenters were reported as up for review. The station is expected to retain opt-outs for local news bulletins, traffic updates and advertising. See also Greatest Hits Radio The Wave References External links Radio stations in Wales Mass media and culture in Swansea Radio stations established in 1974 Bauer Radio Bauer Group (UK)