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 and 106.8 in the Durham and Darlington areas. Alpha Radio and Durham Radio followed View TV Groups Vintage Music Radio and Rathergood Radio, and were previously part of Star Radio. Alpha Radio and Durham Radio only launched in July 2019.

The change will mean a slight increase in local output. Sun FM maintains local breakfast and drive times shows, with most other programmes produced solely for Sun FM, albeit from other Nation Broadcasting centres. This compares favourably to Helius Media, who only produced a 4 hour local breakfast show shared between Alpha and Durham. However