Tuning In: Nation Radio East Yorkshire's Journey
An in-depth exploration of a local radio station's evolution, programming, and technical landscape.
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Background & Ownership
Corporate Evolution
Nation Radio Yorkshire, known previously as GHR Hull & East Yorkshire and originally as KCFM, operates as an Independent Local Radio (ILR) station serving the communities of Kingston upon Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire. The station is currently owned and managed by Nation Broadcasting.[1] The initial license for this service was advertised by Ofcom in 2006, paving the way for its establishment.[3]
Ownership Transitions
Initially, KCFM was operated by a local consortium under the name Planet Broadcasting Limited. In June 2009, a significant share exchange agreement was finalized with the Lincs FM Group, integrating KCFM into a larger regional broadcasting entity.[3]
More recently, in early 2019, the station was acquired by Nation Broadcasting. It subsequently operated under the licensed name of Greatest Hits Radio. This arrangement concluded on 19 September 2022, when the station officially transitioned to become part of the Nation Radio network, adopting its current branding.[1]
Audience Reach
As of September 2024, Nation Radio Yorkshire commands a weekly audience of approximately 56,000 listeners, according to the latest RAJAR (Radio Joint Audience Research) figures. This metric underscores the station's continued relevance and engagement within its broadcast area.[2]
The Launch Sequence
Inaugural Broadcast
Following a comprehensive month of test transmissions, KCFM officially commenced broadcasting at 6:00 a.m. on 1 August 2007. The inaugural voice heard on air was that of Steve Jordan, who introduced Tim Jibson, the Director of Programmes. The first musical selection played was "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles, setting a vibrant tone for the station's debut.[4]
Official Opening
The station's purpose-built studio facility, known as "Planet House," was formally inaugurated by none other than the then England Football Manager, Steve McClaren. This high-profile opening event marked a significant milestone in the station's establishment and its integration into the local community.[4]
Programming & Presenters
Format and Network
Nation Radio Yorkshire adheres to an Adult Contemporary format, playing a curated selection of popular music aimed at a broad adult demographic. The station is part of the Nation Radio Network, which allows for shared resources and networked programming across its sister stations.[6] The station's branding is "The Best Variety of Hits."
Regional and Networked Content
The station broadcasts a blend of regional and networked programming to serve its local audience effectively. Local programming is primarily featured during peak listening hours:
- Weekday Breakfast: Hosted by Alex Duffy (6:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.)
- Weekday Mid-Morning: Hosted by Matt Hutchinson (10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
- Weekday Drivetime: Hosted by Sean Goldsmith (3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.)
Outside of these dedicated local slots, the station takes networked programming from Nation Radio UK. However, it maintains the flexibility to broadcast opt-outs for crucial local updates, including news, sports, travel information, and weather forecasts. During its locally broadcast hours, Nation Radio Yorkshire utilizes a distinct playlist separate from the national network, ensuring a unique listening experience for its East Yorkshire audience.[1]
Key Personalities
The station features a dedicated team of local presenters who connect with the audience:
Additionally, the station incorporates networked presenters during non-local programming hours, including:
Technical Infrastructure
Transmission Details
Nation Radio Yorkshire broadcasts its primary FM signal on 99.8 MHz. This transmission originates from a strategically located mast atop the north pier of the Humber Bridge. This vantage point allows the signal to effectively cover the City of Kingston upon Hull and surrounding areas, including Beverley, Driffield, Goole in East Yorkshire, and extending into Barton-upon-Humber in North Lincolnshire.[5]
The station also operates on DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting), having launched on this platform in October 2016. Initially, it utilized the Lincolnshire multiplex but later transitioned to Bauer's Humberside multiplex. Due to capacity constraints on the DAB platform, the station is broadcast in mono.[5]
Studio Operations
The station's operational hub was originally housed in a purpose-built studio complex named "Planet House," located on Hedon Road in Hull. The studio design was undertaken by Bob Corn of the Corn Tarrant Partnership, with technical installation managed by Radio Studio Services, headed by Richard Lawley.[4][5]
In line with modern broadcasting practices, Nation Radio Yorkshire now operates without dedicated local studios. Presenters conduct their shows from home studios, leveraging technology to maintain local connection while optimizing operational efficiency.
Brand Identity
Sonic Branding
Nation Radio Yorkshire employs a composite jingle package that unifies its sonic identity with other stations within the Nation-branded network. These professional jingles were produced by Ignite Jingles and TM Studios, contributing to a cohesive and recognizable brand sound across the group.[6] The station's tagline, "The Best Variety of Hits," clearly communicates its music proposition to listeners.
References
Sources
The following sources were consulted for the creation of this content:
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional broadcasting, media, or technical consultation. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
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