Birmingham-based radio station Kerrang! is to close its city centre studios and lose its FM broadcast frequency in a major shake-up announced by owner Bauer Media.

The 105.2 frequency is to be replaced by London-based Planet Rock, which includes Alice Cooper, Def Leppard's Joe Elliott and comedian Al Murray among its presenters.

Kerrang!'s studio in Lionel Street will make its final FM broadcast on June 14.

Bauer Media said redundancies were expected among the staff although some presenters such as former Big Brother winner Kate Lawler are likely to be offered jobs elsewhere.           

Kerrang!'s playlist for this week included Black Sabbath, Primal Scream, Muse, Biffy Clyro and Birmingham band Editors.

Thursday's running order on Planet Rock included tracks by Foreigner, Asia, Journey, Bruce Springsteen, The Scorpions, Peter Gabriel and Eric Clapton.

A Bauer spokesperson said: ”The decision to replace Kerrang! on the 105.2 frequency with Planet Rock has not been taken lightly, and Bauer Media UK has given the options available a great deal of consideration before reaching this conclusion. 

"However, following a thorough review we have decided this is the right strategic direction for our business. 

"We can confirm that today’s decision will result in the loss of our broadcast facilities and some job roles in the West Midlands region.

"We would like to thank all those who have worked at Kerrang! 105.2 since its launch and their hard work in bringing the Kerrang! spirit to the West Midlands.“

The Kerrang! licence in Birmingham was the company’s only FM station. But the London-based Kerrang! digital service will remain available through the local DAB platform, digital TV and online.

Kerrang! began with a trial run as a restricted service licence based at Birmingham City FC's St Andrew's ground in 2002.  It officially launched in the summer of 2004 when the studio was opened by Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi.

Planet Rock was acquired by Bauer Media UK in February this year, joining Bauer’s growing portfolio of national radio brands including Kiss, heat, The Hits Radio and Magic.