BBC Radio Derby - Overview

Overview

BBC Radio Derby began broadcasting officially on 29 April 1971, though it went on air two months earlier than planned to cover the bankruptcy of the local aero-engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce. The station's logo was a Rams head in the late 1980s and early 1990s (as many other organisations in Derby have).

Much of the station's output is speech based, featuring news, sport, weather, travel, interviews, and discussions, mixed in with music and competitions. The station's primary audience is aimed at listeners aged over 45, though the sports and weekend shows attract a greater age range.

After 7pm each weekday, Radio Derby simulcasts regional programming with other BBC Local Radio stations in the East Midlands until midnight when it simulcasts overnight output from BBC Radio Five Live. BBC Radio Derby broadcasts match commentaries from local soccer/football teams; especially the Rams (Derby County)and Burton Albion. There is also extensive coverage of Derbyshire cricket during the summer.

The station won the prestigious "Station of the Year" award in the category for radio stations that serve between 300,000 and 1 million listeners at the Sony Radio Academy Awards in 2010, becoming the first BBC local radio station to win it twice (it was also victorious in 2007). BBC Radio Derby was also named Station of the Year in the 2009 BBC local radio station Gillard awards.