LIVERPOOL’S newest radio station is proposing to scrap its “all-talk” format and play music to boost listener figures.

City Talk 105.9 yesterday submitted a formal change to their output to communications watchdog Ofcom.

The submission admits that, if permission is refused, “the station may eventually need to close.”

Bosses want to maintain the chat format during peak times, but instead offer music at off-peak times, principally midday and evenings.

Sources say the St John’s Tower station was prompted to make the move following disappointing figures.

The Radio Joint Audience Research (RAJAR) revealed the station netting 63,000 listeners a week, with a listener reach of just 4%.

City Talk, who broadcast the LDP Business Week, insist listener numbers remain a success for a station just 12 months old.

The announcement to Ofcom reads: “A service of speech and soft pop-led music programming focused on the interests of the people of Liverpool and surrounding areas.

“The service will be 100% speech during peak times, focusing on news, information, features and discussion.”