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 (700149000000000000049 years, 7002227000000000000227 days)
Format	General/Entertainment
Language(s)	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.

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. From May 2012, Radio TT is to be re-branded as Manx Radio TT 365. This is to signify that the station will be available to listen to throughout the year via the internet.

Obviously racing will not be taking place throughout the vast majority of the year, and therefore the station will rely on Manx Radio's vast archive of TT races and chat shows blended with music.^[2]

Presenters

English language presenters

Manx language presenters

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

Transmitter reuse

A three year deal between United Christian Broadcasters(UCB) and Manx radio saw UCB broadcast via Manx radio from 5 October 1987. For 4 hours from 10pm when the regular programming was off air.^[3][4]

References

External links

• Manx Radio
• UK Radio History
• The MHP (closedown announcement)

Coordinates: 54°08′55″N 4°28′27″W / 54.1485°N 4.4742°W / 54.1485; -4.4742