Greatest Hits Radio becomes GHR in Ireland after court ruling

Bauer Media Audio Ireland has renamed Greatest Hits Radio to GHR in the Republic of Ireland following a High Court injunction.

The interim order prevents Bauer from using the full “Greatest Hits Radio” brand on DAB+ and other platforms during the current digital radio trial.

The case was brought by Choice Broadcasting Ltd, which runs Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio. The court said the similarity in names could cause confusion for listeners, particularly in a market where DAB+ is still developing.

Bauer’s CEO in Ireland, Chris Doyle, said: “The brands Greatest Hits Radio and Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio are clearly different. We do not accept that any confusion will arise.”

“Until then, for the current DAB+ trial, we will use GHR branding instead,” he added.

The station, which launched last week, continues to play a mix of 70s, 80s and 90s music. All full Greatest Hits Radio branding has been removed. The station now uses a dry voiceover between tracks stating, “This is GHR on DAB+”.

The DAB+ trial continues in Ireland, offering operators a chance to test services on a platform that is still in its early stages across the country.