Gulf News Broadcasting (GNB), the company which owns Radio 1 and Radio 2, UAE, has shut down both stations with immediate effect.

The entire staff has been laid off after frequency owner Abu Dhabi Media withdrew the licenses.

According to a report in Gulf Business, affected staff members will be given up to three month’s salary.

The news follows a recent management shuffle at GNB, which appointed Steve Pulley as Broadcasting Director and Will McMichael as Head of Advertising in February.

GNB, which also owns Josh FM and Hayat FM in the country, is a part of Gulf News Media – the publisher of Gulf News, the biggest selling English newspaper in the UAE.

The stations’ social media pages have been deactivated and their websites only carry the following statement from GNB:

“Gulf News Broadcasting LLC is today announcing that with immediate effect it will no longer be managing the Radio One & Radio Two stations.

This is as a result of unforeseen circumstances, which are beyond the control of Gulf News Broadcasting LLC.

Gulf News Broadcasting LLC would like to thank all its employees, advertising partners and supporters for their contribution, effort and commitment for the successful management of Radio One & Radio Two stations over the last 10 years.

No further comment will be made.”