| Broadcast area | Bedfordshire, Gloucestershire, Buckinghamshire, North Somerset and Northamptonshire |
|---|---|
| Format | Contemporary |
| Owner | Chiltern Radio Group |
The Hot FM was a radio brand operated by Chiltern Radio Group in the United Kingdom.
Contents |
The network consisted of Chiltern Radio 97.6/96.9, Oasis Radio, Northants Radio, Horizon Radio, Severn Sound and Galaxy 97.2 who all used the name Hot FM after their original station name.
Stations would broadcast from their own studios until 7pm, then share programmes from Dunstable overnight, resulting in weather forecasts for the other areas of the UK being heard.[1]
In 1994, the shareholders were approached by the GWR group who were prepared to pay over 20 times the company's turnover in order to acquire the company. Following the Government's relaxation of ownership rules from 20 to 35 stations, the acquisition took place in 1995 and The Hot FM was no more.
Networked presenters included Chris Moyles (who joined in The Hot FM's dying days), Emma Scott[2], Steve Power, Tim Allen, Simon Clarke, Neale James, Treva Ellis, NJ Williams and Laura Penn. Other presenters included Paul Garner who did a comedy and unsigned music show [3], David Francis on the late show and Dave Sanders who hosted a Sunday show consisting of mostly album tracks.[4]
Following GWR's takeover Chris Moyles was moved to a late night slot before eventually being axed in favour of the already established GWR presenter, Graham Torrington and his "Late Night Love", although by this time The Hot FM branding had long gone.
Group programme director Paul Chantler.[5]
The presentation style was lively, entertaining, unscriptted, unrehearsed, and above all, a great mix of music and stunning jingles.
American jingle company Jam Creative Productions were commissioned to make fast-paced station idents called the "Chiltern 5" package; these were used with American voiceovers and sweepers to give the stations a feeling of excitement.[6][7]