Month: September 2025

Community station West Kent Radio has applied to extend its FM coverage to include the town of Sevenoaks.
The application has been published by Ofcom and is now open for consultation.
West Kent Radio is currently licenced to serve Tonbridge, Southborough and Tunbridge Wells, to the south of Sevenoaks, on three FM frequencies.
In support of the application, Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott said she believed the extension would help address the gap in local broadcasting. “I know that for many residents – particularly older people and those who are less digitally connected – it is incredibly important to have access to trusted, relevant and timely local news and traditional FM radio,” she said.
Laura added: “Sadly, the reduction in BBC local radio services and the decline of local print journalism has left a real gap in the provision of reliable, community-focused content. I firmly believe that West Kent Radio, which already provides high-quality, volunteer-led broadcasting in neighbouring areas, is well placed to fill that gap.”
West Kent Radio’s News Editor, Martin Webber, highlighted the support the station has built locally. He said: “West Kent Radio has been building a team with considerable experience in UK media to curate a truly informative and engaging service for our listeners.”
He added that the station has been able to offer a wide range of contributors through strong collaboration. “Thanks to the excellent cooperation from BBC Radio Kent, our partners at Sky and all our local councillors, MPs and local people who have engaged with us, we have access to a range of voices that is unique to our station.
“Sevenoaks is deeply integrated into our existing area and we are hopeful Ofcom will be able to agree to our coverage extension request.”
West Kent Radio launched in 2021. Its commitments under Ofcom include promoting healthy lifestyles, facilitating discussion and expression of opinion, and strengthening community links across its broadcast area.

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More than 100 former staff came together in Bradford on Saturday to mark 50 years since the launch of Pennine Radio.
The reunion was held at the Bankfield Hotel in Bingley, with attendees sharing memories, listening to classic jingles, and browsing a display of station memorabilia collected from across the decades.
Among the guests were four of the original launch team from 1975, Peter Milburn, Dorothy Box, Peter Levy and Lesley Blessington. A montage of old show clips was played during the evening, prompting stories and conversations about the station’s early years and its later transformation.
The event was organised by Melanie Perrett and Brian Cooke, who spent a year tracking down past presenters, producers, journalists and technical staff to bring them back together. For many, it was the first time seeing old colleagues for decades.
Alan Ross, who delivered the welcoming speech, said afterwards the evening had been “a fitting tribute to some great radio stations and people.”
He also paid tribute to the effort that went into reuniting so many familiar faces in one place.
Although Pennine Radio began broadcasting in 1975 to serve Bradford and West Yorkshire, the station later rebranded as the Pulse before becoming part of Bauer’s Hits Radio network. Many of those who worked there went on to careers in broadcasting around the UK.
Organisers described the gathering as likely to be the last of its kind, making the evening especially significant for those who attended. The anniversary highlighted the enduring impact of Pennine Radio on the city’s broadcasting history and the role it played in the lives of staff and listeners alike.
James Cridland has also featured the event in his latest radio newsletter, Radioland, which you can subscribe to here.

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Absolute Radio Live will be back at the London Palladium on Sunday 16 November this year, raising funds for Prostate Cancer UK.

The comedy event will be hosted by Absolute Radio presenters Jon Richardson and Matt Forde and features James Acaster, Kerry Godliman, Adam Hills, Fatiha El-Ghorri, Tom Davis and Dinesh Nathan.
All profits from the night will support Prostate Cancer UK’s research and awareness work. The charity says one in eight men will get prostate cancer, with Black men at double the risk.
Alison Day, Director of Communications at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Absolute Radio Live and look forward to a stellar evening of laughter at the London Palladium. From James Acaster to Fatiha El-Ghorri, the night will be one to remember.”
She added: “With all profits from ticket sales going to Prostate Cancer UK, it’ll make a lasting impact on men’s health too.”
The charity is currently funding its TRANSFORM trial, aiming to develop a safe and effective national screening programme. Money raised will also help pay for awareness campaigns and support services for men living with and after prostate cancer.
Absolute Radio Live has become a regular fixture on the comedy calendar, pairing well-known and emerging comedians to raise money for charity. This year marks another collaboration with Prostate Cancer UK at one of London’s most famous venues.

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