Last week, an indecisive me opted not to do a Station of the Week, as I couldn’t decide which station to pick. The feature returns will a special commendation to YO1 Radio in York.
YO1 Radio, licensed as a community station, broadcasts to York on 102.8 FM. Like many similar stations, the station does a brilliant job of serving the local community, both on-air, and online with a fantastic website designed by The Media Site UK Ltd (who happen to also provide hosting to the website you’re reading now).
However, the real reason the station has won Station of the Week, is the management teams response to the recent cull of local commercial radio. A number of online local stations have been launched, following a similar format to YO1 Radio.
Those that I’m aware of are:
- KL1 Radio for King’s Lynn
- RB1 Radio for Rotherham
- TX1 Radio for Doncaster and Bassetlaw
From social media posts, it is clear that many still value proper local radio, and it is great that the team behind YO1 Radio have regonised the demand.
That said, launching brand new stations in a recession is a risk, and although costs are lower by being online only, audience potential is also reduced.
I really hope the new stations are successful. It’s about time that local radio has its comeback.