Manx Radio

Manx Radio
(Radio Manx Ltd.)

The Manx Radio logo since 2009.
City of license Douglas
Broadcast area Isle of Man
Slogan The Sound of your Life
Frequency 1368 kHz AM, 89.0 MHz FM, 97.2 MHz FM, 103.7 MHz FM
First air date since 29 June 1964
(&1000000000000004700000047 years, &10000000000000241000000241 days)
Format General/Entertainment
Language English/Manx
Owner Isle of Man Treasury (Main shareholder)
Sister stations Radio TT (Only on-air during
the Isle of Man TT races)
Website http://www.manxradio.com

Manx Radio (legally Radio Manx Ltd.[1]) (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. The Isle of Man, 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 to the UK's General Post Office for a frequency and for permission to broadcast. First requested in 1960, a licence was eventually, and somewhat begrudgingly, granted.

The station was allocated an FM frequency of 89.0 MHz and a comparatively low power. In October 1964, an additional frequency of 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 other European languages, such as French and German.

Contents

Current frequencies

Manx Radio now broadcasts on 1368 kHz AM to the whole island; 89.0 MHz (from Snaefell) for the north of the island; 97.2 MHz FM (from Douglas/Carnane) for the south of the island; and 103.7 MHz (from Jurby) for the island's hills. An additional low-power transmitter covers Ramsey on a frequency of 89.5 MHz.

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 Tynwald. Nevertheless, the company remains responsible to Tynwald and its operations are reviewed annually.

Radio TT

During the Isle of Man TT races, the 1368 kHz frequency becomes Manx Radio TT, providing news and results on the races.

Presenters

English language presenters

  • Alex Brindley (Alex in the Afternoon: Weekday afternoons, The Radio Cafe: Saturday mornings)
  • Jim Caine (Sweet and Swing)
  • David Callister (New Country Cool, Saturday Sunrise)
  • Simon Clarke (Country Side)
  • Paul Corkish (Triple Gold)
  • Ian Cottier (Time for Brass)
  • Terry Cringle (The History Man, Today's Paper)
  • Bob Harrison (Evening Extra, Moghrey Jedoonee)
  • John Hines (Sunday Daybreak)
  • Geraldine Jamieson (The GJ Interview)
  • John Kaneen (The Folk Show)
  • John Kennaugh (Country Side)
  • Chris Kinley (The Morning Show)
  • Judith Ley (Praise, Sundown)
  • Stu Peters (Talking Heads, Saturday Rock)
  • Ben Hartley (The Late Show)
  • Mike Reynolds (Reynolds on the Radio)
  • Ernie Thorn (The Opera Hour)
  • Ashlea Tracey (Travel news editor, Presenter of Connections and Co-presenter of Alex in the Afternoon)
  • Roger Watterson (Perspective, Sunday Opinion, Mannin Line)
  • Chris Williams (Wake Up to Williams, Carnaby Street)

Manx language presenters

  • Maralyn Brown (Shiaght Laa)
  • Bob Carswell (Claare Ny Gael)

Manx Radio news

Manx Radio employs ten broadcast journalists, responsible for hourly news bulletins and the flagship thrice-daily programme Mandate, broadcast at breakfast (7:30-8:30am), lunchtime (1-1:15pm) and drivetime (5:30-6pm).

News staff

News Editor
Marian Kenny

New Media Editor
Graham Bell

Sports Editor
Tim Glover

Broadcast Journalists
Howard Caine
Beth Espey
James Davis (also Agenda Monday presenter)
Edward Oldham

News Journalists
John Moss (also presents Mandate AM & Perspective)
Jason Roberts

Sports Journalist
Chris Kinley (also presents The Morning Show & Saturday Live)

References

External links