Ridings FM
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ridings FM | |
 |
|
| Broadcast area | Wakefield |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 106.8 MHz |
| First air date | October 3, 1999 |
| Format | Contemporary |
| Audience share | 5.8% (September 2007, [1]) |
| Owner | Lincs FM Group |
| Sister stations | Dearne FM |
| Webcast | 64kbps |
Ridings FM is the Independent Local Radio station serving Wakefield and the Five Towns area since October 3rd 1999. It is based on Monckton Road in Wakefield and is owned by the Lincs FM Group.
Contents |
[edit] Transmitters
The transmitter is at Birkwood Farm, near Stanley Ferry, close to the River Calder. Although the transmitter is not particularly high, but reasonably powerful for the area (compared to many Lincs FM Group stations) it covers, since July 2001 it has been on the EMAP Leeds DAB multiplex, which has expanded its listenership considerably.
[edit] FM licence
By the closing date of September 8 1998, three companies had applied for the Wakefield licence to the Radio Authority. The other bidders were WF 107 Ltd (based in Wakefield) and Henna FM Ltd (based in Batley providing asian music). Ridings FM was awarded the licence on January 7 1999.
[edit] Programming
The Breakfast show is presented by Kev Wilson, who took on the role after leaving Kingstown Radio in Kingston upon Hull. He is followed by Gareth Webb. While John Tolson hosts the drivetime show and Andy Hoyle presents the late show.
Other presenters include Chris Johnson, Joe Sentance, Rachel Bailey, Steve Orchard and Richard Shaw-Wright.
Former presenters on the station include Danny Lacey, Phil Butler, Dave Parker, Paul Stead, Steve White and Jamie Fletcher.
[edit] News & Sport
Ridings FM's news team has won a Sony Bronze award in the past, and is made up of Holly Emery, May Norman and Beth Rhodes. The flagship news bulletin is "Report at Five". At off peak times the station uses the feed from Independent Radio News.
As well as news, Ridings FM covers local sports teams from the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Castleford Tigers and Featherstone Rovers in rugby league, to Ossett Albion, Ossett Town, Frickley Athletic and Wakefield F.C. in football.
For every home game in the 2006 National League One season, Ridings FM has had a column in the Castleford matchday programme.
