Radio 2 Funky Launched Today

Contrary to my previous news round up of analogue stations, Radio 2 Funky have not yet launched on 95.0 FM. Their launch has been delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 virus outbreak. The station specialises in urban music and culture, and can currently be found on online.

Analogue Radio Updates

First up, a number of new community radio stations have recently launched. Back in March, Blackburn’s 102.2 had launched by the 14th. Riviera Radio, based in Torbay has launched on 107.9 FM. Leicester station Radio 2 Funky has also launched, this time on 95.0 FM. Bristol based SWU FM are testing ahead of launch on…Read moreRead more

Bliss Radio Closes

Bliss Radio, the DAB station for the North West has closed down. The station has announced this is down to continuing financial losses, and the station can no longer fund itself. Whilst I’m here, contrary to earlier reports Sunrise Radio UK is still broadcasting on the SDL National DAB multiplex.

Smooth Chill Goes National

Recently launched digital station Smooth Chill has now joined the D1 National DAB multiplex, extending coverage of the station beyond London. The station is using DAB+ at 32 kbps stereo, meaning relatively poor sound quality, and some older DAB radios will not receive the station. Smooth Chill launched in London in September 2019, partially replacing…Read moreRead more

Love Sport Mothballed

The current virus outbreak has seen Love Sport cease regular broadcasts, due to the lack of sport and drop in advertising revenue. The service continues on the SDL National DAB multiplex, with presumably pre-recorded content. A recorded announcement is currently following news bulletins. Presumably the same content is also being broadcast on the North London…Read moreRead more

XS Manchester to Stay

Ofcom has refused Communicorp’s application to change the format of XS Manchester and network Capital Xtra. This follows a public consultation, which received a large number of objections. Communicorp, now known as CC UK, have confirmed that XS Manchester will now continue as normal.

Your Radio Merged with Nation Scotland

Nation Broadcasting has now merged Your Radio in the Dumbarton and Helensburgh areas with Nation Radio Scotland. Both stations were already co-located in Glasgow, and shared the same presenters. It is unclear if separate news bulletins will be carried on the former Your Radio frequencies. Nation Broadcasting acquired Your Radio in 2018, prior to launching…Read moreRead more

Sun FM Takes Over in Durham and Darlington

Helius Media have sold the licenses for Alpha Radio (Darlington) and Durham Radio to Nation Broadcasting, the owners of Sun FM. The frequencies are now relaying Sun FM, although it is not clear if this is with any opt outs for news and adverts. This is yet another change for listeners to 102.6, 102.8, 103.2…Read moreRead more

Atlantis Scales Back

Atlantis Radio, the digital only oldies station, has scaled back its DAB+ coverage area. The station is no longer available in Lincolnshire, Suffolk, or the trial Cambridge small-scale multiplex. The station continues on some other multiplexes, and is also available on-line.

Health Info Radio Partners with Podcast Radio

Health Info Radio have partner with Podcast Radio to extend the reach of the service. Updates from Health Info Radio can now be heard on Podcast Radio at 10am, 1pm, and 5pm each day. Podcast Radio uses DAB+ and is available on the London trial small scale multiplex, and the Surrey, North Sussex and South…Read moreRead more