The Midlands renowned Asian station Sabras Radio has decided to end its broadcast in London via Spectrum Radio's 558AM frequency.

Sabras Radio has been simulcasting its Midlands feed to London since July 2005. While the response has been encouraging to the six hours a day it broadcast, the station felt the "trial" was long enough and was looking at pursuing other exciting options.

Sabras Radio will cease broadcasting on Spectrum Radio on Saturday 30th June at midday. Programmes will continue as normal on 1260AM throughout the Midlands.

In July 2005, Sabras Radio had replaced ARY Digital's radio station. The question now mounts as to what will replace Sabras Radio in the morning slot of Spectrum Radio. With two Asian radio stations already have had used that slot, will this make way for a third?

When we contacted Spectrum Radio, they refused to comment on the replacement.

Rumours have been rife that the much talked about ZEE Radio will go live shortly with a few hours of airtime on 558AM (the former Sabras Radio slot) and the rest on DAB digital radio in London. ZEE Network UK is keeping tightlipped about the launch of ZEE Radio, remember BizAsia.co.uk broke the news exclusively first earlier this year.

Spectrum Radio is the country's only ethnic commercial radio station, serving in excess of 20 different communities. Last year, media regulator Ofcom had rejected Spectrum Radio's proposal of increasing the number of hours it dedicates to Asian programming.

Related links:
EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Network to launch radio station
Ofcom reject's Spectrum Radio's Asian output plea