History
Heart began as Essex Radio in September 1981 broadcasting on 95.3 MHz & 1431 KHz to Southend-on-Sea and 96.4 MHz & 1359 KHz to Chelmsford in December 1981. The station's FM frequencies were changed in 1986, with 95.3 becoming 96.3 (95.3 was handed to BBC Essex) and 96.4 becoming 102.6.
In 1989 the station split its AM and FM frequencies (as required then to do so due to a new Radio Act requirement to end simulcasting) and The Breeze began broadcasting on Essex Radio's old AM frequencies. The first song played was Cliff Richard's 'Wired for Sound'. In January 1994 Essex Radio relaunched as Essex FM. It was then rebranded as Heart in June 2009.
Essex Radio Group launched several nearby stations, including Ten-17 FM in Harlow in 1993, oldies station Breeze (now Gold Essex) in July 1989, and dance station Vibe FM (now Kiss 105-108) in 1997. Essex FM became part of the GWR Group (now Global Radio) in October 2000 from the Daily Mail and General Trust (who bought the Essex Radio Group in 1998).
Programme controller Craig Denyer introduced the Greatest Memories Latest Hits format in the late eighties. The format was launched on April Fool's Day when presenters supposedly went on strike because of the format. Station identification was provided by Airforce Productions. They were also responsible for the earlier 'Together we can Make it' package.
Essex FM's Creative Team (founded 1987) helped win awards for advertising and soundtracks, including Creative Circle Honours, Independent Radio Advertising Awards and a bronze in the Sony Awards for 'Now in 1939' a contemporary musical documentary to commemorate World War 2. Commercial producers included John Calvert, Carolyn Rogers, Lisa Rutherford, Scott Young, Chris Slack & Pete Sipple.
Read more about this topic: Heart Essex (Chelmsford & Southend)
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