BBC Radio Nottingham - The story

The story of BBC Radio Nottingham, one of the early BBC locals. Established in January 1968, the station was one of the 'experimental stations', partly funded by the local council.

This is more than just the story of one BBC local; it is almost the story of them all. Breaking new ground; finding its place in its community and in the Corporation. On the audio, you'll hear early reflections from: the first newsreader and 'senior producer', the talented Tony Church; and the first station manager Gerald Nethercott. They offer the timely thoughts that those 'in London' "did not really understand what 'the purpose of the thing was".

Hear too the Mayor and the Postmaster General. You'll also hear delicious swatches of audio from a time long gone. Enjoy their tentative innocence. Hear too the remarkable Dennis McCarthy, host of 'The Sunday Show' and later 'Afternoon Special', a show which actually became a networked afternoon show. Hear too some more recent snippets which suggest the momentum the station enjoys to this day.

We all have stations which mean a lot to us. This station is part of my DNA. I grew up excited to hear it in-air; and appeared in a show called 'The Magic Microphone Club' aged 8. I won the BBC Radio Nottingham jingle competition in 1976. Back then, we were the only house in the street with a VHF radio; and VHF (FM) was the only waveband the stations were on. Enjoy.