Durrant Pate/Contributor 

The RJR/GLEANER Communications Group has disclosed that the Supreme Court has approved its proposed Scheme of Arrangement involving several of its subsidiaries to improve corporate efficiency and streamline operations.

This was obtained on February 19 and will take effect when the court order sanctioning the scheme is filed with the Registrar of Companies. Under the approved Scheme, Multimedia Jamaica Limited, Independent Radio Company Limited, Gleaner Online Limited, Reggae Entertainment Television Limited and Jamaica News Network Limited will be amalgamated into Radio Jamaica Limited (RJL), which will assume their assets, liabilities and operations.

This restructuring forms part of a broader initiative to streamline the Group’s corporate structure, eliminate duplication and improve operational alignment across platforms. The objective is to build a leaner and more efficient organisation, better positioned to compete and grow in a rapidly evolving media environment. 

The court approved scheme was subject to regulatory approval and last Friday, February 27, 2026, the Group’s primary regulator, the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ) advised that, at its most recent meeting, the applicable component of the scheme of arrangements was given favourable consideration by the Commission which will recommend the amendment of the licence of Independent Radio Company, as requested to the Minister of Information.

Temporary suspension of broadcast licences 

In parallel with the corporate restructuring, RJL has further formally engaged the BCJ and the Spectrum Management Authority (SMA), requesting temporary suspension of broadcast licences and assigned spectrum related to Power 106FM and HITZ 92FM. These steps are intended to allow the Group time and flexibility to address significant transmission and service challenges, including rehabilitation of radio infrastructure following the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. 

During this period, RJL says it will focus on optimising the transmission reach and service quality of its two primary stations, Radio Jamaica 94FM and FAME 95FM, while assessing the long-term future and structure of HITZ 92 FM and POWER 1O6FM, including the possibility of divesting either or both of them. 

The company says it will remain in active consultation with its regulators and will provide updates as appropriate. 

Commenting on the restructuring, Joseph M Matalon explains, “RJL intends to optimise the synergies to be gained from streamlining and more closely integrating the scheme companies’ activities into the Group’s operational processes, and we firmly believe that the proposed restructuring will result in a more efficient RJR/GLERANER Group and inure to the benefit of Jamaica’s media landscape.” 

With respect to the streamlining of radio services, Matalon emphasises, “bold and decisive steps are required to guarantee the highest quality of service to stakeholders, and if the assessment of the business tells us that it may be better to divest ourselves of certain aspects of the business, we will do so”.

RJL’s primary activities, through its various subsidiaries, are the operation of an ‘over-the-air’ television station, three cable television channels, four radio stations and the publication of news and information in print and digital media formats on multiple platforms to global audiences. The shares of the company are listed on the main market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange as ‘RJR’.