Spirit FM (UK radio station)
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| Broadcast area | West Sussex and parts of Surrey, Hampshire and Isle of Wight |
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| Frequency | FM: 96.6, 102.3, 106.6 MHz |
| First air date | 21 April 1996 |
| Format | Contemporary |
| Audience share | 12.9% (July 2014, RAJAR) |
| Owner | The Local Radio Company (UKRD Group) |
| Website | www.spiritfm.net |
Spirit FM broadcasts to West Sussex from studios in Dukes Court, Chichester - the place it has been since its launch almost 20 years ago. It was previously only available in the South West of the County but gained complete coverage through a transmitter near Midhurst.
History
Spirit FM began broadcasting in April 1996 as an independent radio station. Its original Chairman was David Palmer. The founding MD was Steve Oates. Previous Programme Controllers have included Kevin Dyball, Martin Lee, Ian Meadows, Paul Williams, Bernard Allen and Duncan Barkes.
In 2004 the station was acquired by The Local Radio Company.
Programming
Spirit FM is part of The Local Radio Company, which in turn is majority-owned by UKRD Group. (They bought a controlling interest during a hostile merger in June 2009). Until that point, Spirit FM was controlled through a joint venture between TLRC and Portsmouth FC. [1]
The joint venture also involved 107.4 The Quay in Portsmouth, (sold by UKRD to Portsmouth FC) and Isle of Wight Radio (sold by UKRD as part of a management buy-out).
Some off-peak programmes were taken as part of a policy of networking with other stations in the Local Radio Company. In mid-2009, a decision was taken at group level to end network shows. Spirit FM's output (and that of the other TLRC stations), is now locally-sourced once again.
Presenters include Stuart McGinley (breakfast), Chris Wright (daytime), Kate Goddard (drivetime). Nick Hobbs, Ian Crouch and Iain Meadows at weekends.
External links
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