GenX Radio Suffolk will return to the birthplace of commercial radio in Suffolk to celebrate 50 years since Radio Orwell first went on air.
The station will broadcast live from Electric House in Ipswich on Tuesday 28 October, marking half a century since Radio Orwell began transmissions from the same building in 1975.
The special edition of the James Hazell Morning Show, airing from 9am to midday, will bring together former presenters and staff from Radio Orwell to share memories of the pioneering station.
Among those taking part will be Nick Coady, Nigel Renie, Stephen (Foz) Foster, Phil Archer, Graham Bannerman, Mark Wesley and Patrick Eade.
Radio Orwell first broadcast on 257 metres medium wave and quickly became part of Ipswich life, providing local news, information and entertainment for listeners across Suffolk.
It was one of the original 19 Independent Local Radio stations created by the Independent Broadcasting Authority in the 1970s, following the relaxation of broadcasting rules in the UK.
James Hazell, now Managing Director of GenX Radio Suffolk, said: “As the last ever voice on Radio Orwell, I’m proud to return to Electric House — the home of Orwell — to present a special programme marking the station’s 50th anniversary.
“We’ll reflect on the remarkable impact Radio Orwell had on Suffolk and how GenX Radio Suffolk — often called ‘Radio Orwell 2’ — is carrying that legacy forward, keeping genuine local radio alive in the county.”
This story first appeared on radiotoday.co.uk