Classic Hits Radio has confirmed that, from Thursday, 17 September, music by Ed Sheeran will be removed from the station’s playlist for the foreseeable future.
The decision follows the recent controversy surrounding the removal of Macklemore from the remaining dates of Ed Sheeran’s US tour and the subsequent decision by a number of supporting artists, including Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe and Irish band Beoga, to
withdraw from the tour.
As an independent, Irish-owned radio station, Classic Hits Radio places considerable importance on its relationship with its listeners and with the Irish music community. Over recent days, the station has received feedback from listeners expressing disappointment and concern
regarding the events surrounding the tour.
Classic Hits Radio recognises that there are differing and strongly held views on the circumstances involved. The station also acknowledges Ed Sheeran’s statement that the decision to remove Macklemore from the tour was not his and that he sought to find a resolution.
Having considered the matter carefully and listened to the views expressed by its audience, Classic Hits Radio has made the programming decision to remove Ed Sheeran’s music from its playlist for the foreseeable future.
Dave Kelly, Group Programme Director at Bay Broadcasting, said; “Radio has always been about more than the music we play. It is about the communities we serve, listening to our audience and recognising the conversations that matter to them.
“We have listened carefully to the reaction from our listeners over recent days. We also respect the decision taken by Irish artists Aaron Rowe and Beoga to step away from the tour on an issue about which they clearly feel very strongly.
“Our decision to remove Ed Sheeran’s music from the Classic Hits Radio playlist has been carefully considered. It is not intended as a personal judgement on Ed Sheeran, and we acknowledge his own explanation of the circumstances surrounding recent events.
“As an independent Irish-owned radio station, however, we believe it is important to listen to our audience and to stand alongside Irish artists who have made what is undoubtedly a significant professional decision based on their own convictions.
“Ultimately, our position is a simple one. We believe in peace, humanity and respect, and in the right of people and artists to express and act upon their sincerely held views. In light of the strength of feeling expressed by our listeners and the decisions taken by Irish artists involved in the tour, we believe removing Ed Sheeran’s music from our playlist is the appropriate decision for Classic Hits Radio at this time.”
The programming decision will remain under review, with Classic Hits Radio continuing to listen to its audience and assess developments as they arise.
ENDS
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