Jailed tycoon Owen Oyston faces losing control of four local radio stations after appeal judges upheld his conviction for raping a teenage model.

Oyston - jailed for raping model

The Radio Authority said he was not a "fit and proper person". It was the first time the Authority had made such a ruling since it was set up seven years ago.

The Authority has written to four stations in which he is believed to have a controlling interest saying he should not hold the licences.

These are The Bay, in Morecambe, Lancashire, and three stations in Northern Ireland - Belfast's City Beat 96.7, Heart Beat 1521 in Craigavon and Gold Beat in Cookstown. They have until the end of the month to respond.

Oysten's wife, Vicky, a former Miss Blackpool, has been acting as chairperson of the group of companies since he was jailed.

If the Authority concludes that Oyston retains controlling interest in the stations, their licences could be withdrawn and ultimately re-advertised.
 

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