Riviera Radio, the French Riviera’s flagship English-language radio station, has been officially acquired by media powerhouse Global, marking a significant shake-up in the region’s broadcasting scene.
Broadcasting across Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Antibes and St. Tropez on 106.5 MHz, DAB+ and online, Riviera Radio has served the anglophone community for nearly four decades, becoming a familiar voice for both residents and tourists alike. From covering glamorous fixtures like the Cannes Film Festival to the roar of the Monaco Grand Prix, the station has carved out a unique niche in a multilingual media landscape.
The acquisition sees Riviera Radio return to its roots: Global’s Capital Radio Group, now part of the wider Global empire, was among the station’s earliest stakeholders. The transition also maintains continuity, with long-time Managing Director Paul Kavanagh set to stay at the helm.
In a statement, Ashley Tabor-King CBE, Global’s Founder and Executive President, shared his enthusiasm: “It’s a real pleasure to welcome Riviera Radio into the Global family. With its rich history and loyal audience, the station is a gem in one of Europe’s most dynamic regions. We’re ready to invest and help it grow.”
Kavanagh echoed the sentiment, calling the acquisition “a new chapter of investment, expertise and confidence,” and hailed it as “a fantastic vote of confidence in Monaco and the South of France.”
The acquisition is particularly poignant for Tabor-King, who started his broadcasting journey at Riviera Radio before building Global into one of Europe’s most influential media and entertainment groups. Global now oversees a portfolio that includes Capital, LBC, Heart, Classic FM, Radio X, Smooth, and Gold, with operations spanning the UK, Ireland, the US, Spain and the Netherlands.
With Riviera Radio now under its wing, Global strengthens its foothold on the Mediterranean coast, adding yet another strategic asset to its international broadcasting network.
