Manx Radio
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Manx Radio (Manx: Radio Vannin) is the national commercial radio station for the Isle of Man.
The station began broadcasting on 29 June 1964, almost ten years before commercial radio was licensed in the United Kingdom. Mann, having its own government and laws, was not subject to the rules prohibiting commercial broadcasting in the UK. However, the Manx Government still had to apply for a frequency and for permission to broadcast to the UK's General Post Office. This was first requested in 1960. The licence was eventually somewhat begrudgingly granted.
The station was allocated 89.0 MHz FM and a comparatively low power. In October 1964, 188 metres (1600 kHz) AM was allocated to the station to provide greater coverage.
Manx Radio broadcasts mainly in English with a few hours a week devoted to broadcasting in Manx. During the Isle of Man TT some programmes are broadcast in European languages such as French and German.
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[edit] Current frequencies
Manx Radio now broadcasts on 1368 kHz AM to the whole Island; 97.2 MHz FM to the south of the Island; 89.0 MHz to the north of the Island; and 103.7 MHz in the Island's hills.
The transmitters are at Foxdale, Carnane, Snaefell and Jurby respectively.
[edit] Company structure
Manx Radio is the island's public service broadcaster. It was originally run by the Isle of Man Broadcasting Commission, a state-owned body, under the name Isle of Man Broadcasting Company. In 1980 the company was moved to an arms-length operation using the name Radio Manx Limited (the on-air name did not change). Since 1994, the shares in Radio Manx Limited have been held by the Manx Radio Trust, further distancing the station from the Tynwald. Nevertheless, the company remains responsible to the Tynwald and its operations are reviewed annually.
[edit] Radio TT
During the Isle of Man TT races, the 1368 kHz frequency becomes Manx Radio TT, providing news and results on the races.
[edit] Closedown announcement
Each night at the end of broadcasting, Manx Radio would play an announcement to herald their closedown. Over the strains of "Ellan Vannin", the following announcement would be made, with a female English-language voice first, then each sentence repeated in a male Manx-language voice.
| “ | Manx Radio is now closing down. Manx Radio recommences broadcasting at 6:45AM. We hope that you have enjoyed our programmes and we look forward to bringing you information, enjoyment, good music and companionship every day. Manx Radio is the Isle of Man's national commercial radio station, broadcasting from Douglas Head in the beautiful Isle of Man. To those of you who guard and protect us during the night, to the police and firemen, to those in the lighthouse service and the coastguards, to doctors and nurses attending the sick, indeed to all who have to work while others sleep, we wish a quiet and peaceful night. To the fisherman at sea, and to all those who earn their living on the great waters around our little Island, fair winds and good sailing. From all of us at Manx Radio, the voice of Mann, goodnight. |
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[edit] External links
- Manx Radio
- UK Radio History
- The MHP (closedown announcement)
