Wessex FM - Early Days

Early Days

A group of local radio enthusiasts had been campaigning to have an ILR station in Dorset for some time, and eventually the Radio Authority issued the license early in 1993 (This was probably one of the last totally independent commercial radio stations in the country). Stephen Oates was appointed as Managing Director, with Roger Kennedy as Programme Manager.

Having found a suitable premises in the centre of Dorchester, studio construction began while Roger started recruiting the on-air team and deciding on the programme format. Roger also suggested the station's on-air name - Wessex FM - and the original strapline - "From the Heart of Dorset"

The station went on the air at 10am on 4 September 1993, Roger Kennedy presenting the first programme, with several special guests including veteran presenter Tony Blackburn.

With its very wide range of music, as well as lots of local feature content and regular Outside Broadcasts, the station proved very popular from the outset, becoming the Number 1 station in the area.

Read more about this topic:  Wessex FM

Famous quotes containing the words early and/or days:

    ... business training in early life should not be regarded solely as insurance against destitution in the case of an emergency. For from business experience women can gain, too, knowledge of the world and of human beings, which should be of immeasurable value to their marriage careers. Self-discipline, co-operation, adaptability, efficiency, economic management,—if she learns these in her business life she is liable for many less heartbreaks and disappointments in her married life.
    Hortense Odlum (1892–?)

    to slam the door on all the days she’ll stay the same
    and never ask why and never think who to ask,
    to slam the door and rip off her orange blouse.
    Father, father, I wish I were dead.
    Anne Sexton (1928–1974)