Radio Victory - Final Show compilation 1986

Radio Victory in Portsmouth was one of very few UK radio stations ever to have its right to broadcast, effectively, withdrawn by the regulator.

In the days of commercial radio’s first regulator, the IBA, franchises to broadcast were awarded; and these were rolled upon satisfactory performance. In later days, fixed terms were awarded, at the end of which a new competitive beauty contest would decide whether the incumbent should live to fight another day. DAB has, in more recent years, interrupted that process.

Whilst the law offers no specific advantage to the incumbent when a licence is advertised, regulators have, quite rightly, felt they needed a decent reason to replace a licensee. A very poor regulatory record or on the edge of bankruptcy; or just a case of not quite taking the hint about what they should be doing in the ensuing term. Famously, the original LBC lost its licence in 1993; albeit the brand name was to return, in due course, under its successor.

Witness here a telescoped edition of the excellent last programme aired by Radio Victory in Portsmouth on 28th June 1986.

This had been a slightly more complex battle as when its franchise ended; a new larger area was being offered by the IBA and three groups put their heads above the parapet.

It was told it had lost out to Ocean Sound in 1985 and closed down the following year. Ocean became Heart, and is now part of Heart South Coast.

Chris Carnegy (thanks for the audio, Chris) delivered the final words in this impressive valedictory programme beautifully; and he subsequently touched down at the replacement station which launched four months later.