Commercial radio came late to the party but fifty years on from its birth it is happy and healthy and showing the BBC how to have fun
Disc jockey Kenny Everett’s anarchic humour became a fixture on Capital Radio within weeks of its launch in October 1973 contributed to the opening moments of commercial radio 50 years ago this month.
Many more local commercial stations came on air in the ensuing decades, directed initially by a heavy-handed regulator with its sleeves rolled up. In good hands and in the absence of rivals, they excelled on air. But as my old recordings on battered cassettes indicate, not all of it was as brilliant as we think it was. Not least my own programmes.
Commercial radio has been allowed to consolidate in recent years into confident mega brands such as Heart or Hits Radio, with marketing firepower and the ability to attract great on-air talent. In a sense, it has become what it might have been at the outset, had governments had confidence in commercial radio back in the 60s.With DAB and online platforms supplementing FM and AM, formats nationally have diversified.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
BBC Radio Manchester legend Allan Beswick airs final show with parting shotRadio stalwart Allan is leaving as part of BBC local radio cuts
Read more »
Jeremy Vine Rinses Rishi Sunak Over HS2 In Excruciating InterviewThe prime minister was left stuttering after a grilling from the BBC Radio 2 presenter.
Read more »
Dorset weekly round-up: 2 October - 8 October 2023Paul Miller hosting his final BBC radio show was among the most read stories in Dorset.
Read more »
Strictly's Nikita Kanda in tears as she reveals injury following emotional exitThe BBC radio DJ was partnered with Gorka Marquez
Read more »