News UK today announces the appointment of Scott Taunton as chief executive of Wireless Group reporting to Rebekah Brooks, chief executive of News UK. Currently chief operating officer at Wireless Group, Taunton will assume responsibility for all the radio and digital businesses within the group, spanning the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Announcing his appointment, Rebekah Brooks, News UK, chief executive commented: “Scott is a dynamic leader, whose promotion to the role of chief executive will be a huge asset to Wireless and News UK. He will join my Executive team and work to ensure that our two businesses build on the strengths of a partnership that is already demonstrating great success in editorial and commercial collaboration.”

Scott Taunton, chief executive of Wireless Group said: “The opportunities for Wireless Group and News UK are boundless, and I’m honoured to take this position and press ahead with innovative and lucrative ideas. Our brands share engaged and loyal audiences, aligned cultures, and a commitment to developing the best UK and Irish journalistic and broadcasting talent. Together we can offer exciting cross-platform opportunities to advertisers and partners which we know they will want.”

Wireless Group was acquired by News in September 2016 following overwhelming approval of Wireless shareholders. Along with talkSPORT – the leading sports radio network in the UK – and the recently relaunched Virgin Radio and talkRADIO, Wireless is the largest local radio operator in Ireland. It also boasts a network of local stations in England and Wales, and two digital businesses, Tibus and Simply Zesty.

Coupled with News UK’s iconic news brands in print and digital, the acquisition offers significant opportunities to grow the company’s reach in the world of sport and entertainment. Both companies will share journalistic and broadcasting talent, be able to cross-promote brands and offer new opportunities for advertisers and promotional partners.