Why does Global Radio own so many UK commercial FM radio stations?

The short answer (a nod to Mr. Cridland) -- because they can. I'm American, so I had to do a little research (Nod: Wikipedia). The longer answer: commercial -- advertising supported -- radio broadcasting is an amazing cash business. As a former employer once told me: in radio, there is an upper limit to operating expenses, but no limit to size of audience -- thus, how much you can charge advertisers to reach that audience. In other words, your cost of doing business doesn't rise in proportion to the number of end users you attract. Get it? In the US, in 1996, the government lifted the statutory  limit on the number of radio stations one operator could own. The rest, is consolidation history.  The radio deregulatory wave has swept the rest of the "free" world, wherever possible. Its major effect on the commercial radio scene is even more standardization and centralization of programming than before deregulation. Only to be surpassed by unregulated Internet disruption.Digital new media will continue, no doubt, to dilute traditional radio. How long it will take is anyone's guess. Fast is relative. For now, consolidation of ownership of over-the-air radio stations is still a lucrative cash business (though the monstrous debt it took to consolidate the business in the US has rather spoiled the party for Wall Street). Whether the listeners and presenters like it or not. Could quirky, community-specific radio return? We can dream. Presently, entrepreneurial money goes big or goes home. Count your blessings; at least, you have the BBC.