Ownership of the UK Radio Industry

Definitions

Local radio: Radio services for a particular area, as opposed to radio aimed at a national audience.

National Radio: Radio services that are broadcasted to a nation.

Internet-only Radio: Internet radio (also web radio, net radio, streaming radio, e-radio, online radio, webcasting) is an audio service transmitted via the Internet.

Local Radio

The local radio stations that I researched are:

• Isle of Wight Radio

• Vectis Radio

• Sunshine Radio

Isle of Wight Radio

Isle of Wight Radio was independently owned for two years but was then taken over by GWR, now referred to as Global Radio. Then by The Local Radio Company (TLRC).

In August 2009, the station was sold in a management buyout by program controller Paul Toppings, Claire Willis, Ian Walker and Hedley Finn.

Making it independently owned once again.

Vectis Radio

Founded in January 2010 by Ian Mac.

He has independently owned the station ever since.

Sunshine Radio

Sunshine Radio was founded in 1971 and was privately owned by Mike Cooley and Rob Mannion.

1972: Bill Lyon came from Radio Solent and lectured the Sunshine Radio team on broadcasting techniques.

Mike Cooley is still an active member of Sunshine Radio today.

Rob, however, has moved on to other projects.

National Radio

• Capital Radio

• UCB1

• Planet Rock

Capital Radio

Capital Radio is owned by Global Radio.

It first aired in London in 1973.

Between 1975 and 1999 they had many other stations open.

In exception to Capital London, Capital Radio was originally Galaxy and Hit Music until they were merged in January 2011.

They have on average 8 million listeners a week, aged between 14 and 34 years old.

United Christian Broadcaster (UCB1)

Founded by Richard Berry in the early 1960s.

Became a permanent operation in 1976.

President: Hal Short

In July 2010, UCB United Kingdom's UCB TV partnered with the mobile TV and video on demand network Yamgo to launch the world's first ever live Christian mobile TV channel.

Planet Rock

Owned by Bauer Radio.

Plays classic rock music.

Founded in 1999.

11 February 2008, the previous owner Gcap Media (now Global Radio) announced it would be closed by 31 March, along with sister station, if a buyer was not found (due to financial state of GR not the station itself).

Listeners campaigned and sparked an interest in many buyers, one of which was Brian May (guitarist in Queen).

Internet-Only Radio

• Dublab

• BBC Radio 6 Music

• Radio Free Brooklyn

Dublab

Non-profit.

Founded in 1999.

Owned by Future Roots Inc, came from their characteristic of mixing old tracks (e.g. folk) with electronic beats.

60% of funding is a grant, 40% is through a bi-annual fundraiser.

BBC Radio 6 Music

Launched 11 March 2002

Also known as ‘6 Music’

Describes Itself as a ‘dedicated alternative music station’

Holds an annual music festival ‘6 Music Festival’

In July 2010, BBC Trust announced it had rejected the proposal, by the BBC, to close BBC Radio 6 Music to provide commercial rivals more room because the station is “well-liked by its listeners, was highly distinctive and made an important contribution.”

Owned by the BBC

Radio Free Brooklyn

Owned by Radio Free Brooklyn

First aired in 2015

Founded by Tom Tenney and Robert Prichard

Began operating from the basement of a bike shop.

It grew from a small internet station to now being a community organisation with 120 members

Broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.