Across the Line (BBC Radio Ulster)

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Across the Line is a programme on BBC Radio Ulster (92– 95 FM). It broadcasts Monday, 7.30pm to 10.00 pm and Saturday, 12.05 am to 02.00 am. David O'Reilly presents the Monday programme. Saturday is the Dance show and is presented by Paul Hamill.

Support for Northern Ireland music and musicians in central to the Across the Line editorial brief. Since its inception in 1986 as The Bottom Line, the programme has championed Irish Rock music and in particular bands from Northern Ireland. The Monday edition of the programme continues that tradition.

Since 1999 Dance and club life has played an important role. The Saturday night show is dedicated to Electronic music from Hip-hop and House music to Drum and bass and techno and is presented by Belfast club dj Paul Hamill with a strong emphasis on supporting the music of local dj's and artists.

Regular contributors have included Stuart Bailie (who also writes for NME magazine), Paul McClean, Helen Toland and Bernard Keenan.

Established on 8 September 1986, The Bottom Line was named after the Big Audio Dynamite. The original presenters were Mike Edgar, Davy Sims, Michael Bradley and Barry McIlheney. Mike Edgar had been drummer with Cruella de Ville and started the programme presenting on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Davy Sims was the producer and founder of the programme. He had been working in Downtown Radio before joining BBC Radio Ulster and presented the Thursday edition. Michael Bradley "Mickey", had been Bassist with The Undertones. He presented three out of four Friday editions. The monthly London edition of the programme was with Barry McIlheney, former editor of Smash Hits and Empire magazines.

After a short time off air, the programme returned as Across the Line under the production of Mike Edgar. The show is aimed at teenagers and young adults (the same target audience as BBC Radio 1, but with a more regional focus). The show is notable for its promotion of local musical talent, actively promoting Snow Patrol before they became widely known. This tradition continues with the regular "Breaking Bands" section on the show.

In the past the team also produces a television programme, ATL TV, presented by Legge and O'Reilly. Colin Murray also appeared on the show.