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{{short description|English radio station}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| image =
| logo =
| image = 104.9 Imagine FM Playing on Alexa Echo Show.jpg
| format = [[Adult contemporary]]
| format = [[Adult contemporary]]
| power =
| owner = Bauer Media Group
| class =
| owner = Imagine FM Ltd
| name = Imagine FM
| city = [[Stockport]]
| name =
| area = Eastern [[Greater Manchester]], north-west [[Derbyshire]] and north [[Cheshire]]
| city =
⚫
| branding = 104.9 Imagine FM
| area = [[Cheshire]] & South [[Manchester]]
| airdate = [[1990 in radio|1990]]
⚫
| branding = 104.9 Imagine FM
| last_airdate = 1 September [[2021 in radio|2021]]
| slogan = The Soundtrack for South Manchester
⚫
| frequency = 104.9 FM
| airdate =
| website = [https://imagineradiouk.com/ imagineradiouk.co]
⚫
| frequency =
| erp =
| coordinates =
| callsign_meaning =
| website = [http://www.imaginefm.net/ www.imaginefm.net]
| coordinates =
}}
}}


'''Imagine FM''' is an [[Independent Local Radio]] station based in [[Stockport]] broadcasting to South [[Manchester]] and [[Cheshire]] in the North West of England.
'''Imagine FM''' was an [[Independent Local Radio]] station based in [[Stockport]] broadcasting to South [[Manchester]] and [[Cheshire]] in the North West of England.


==History==
==History==
The station began its life as '''[[KFM Radio|KFM]]''', initially as a pirate local [[radio station]] based in [[Stockport]] and broadcasting to the South [[Manchester]]/North [[Cheshire]] area on 94.2 mHz and then on 1017 kHz.
The station began its life as [[KFM Radio|KFM]], initially as a pirate local [[radio station]] based in [[Stockport]] and broadcasting to the South [[Manchester]]/North [[Cheshire]] area on 94.2 MHz and then on 1017 kHz.


KFM ran during the 1980s and then relaunched legitimately as one of the first '[[Incremental Radio (IBA)|incremental]]' local commercial stations in 1990, set up to provide more localised and specialised programming.
KFM ran during the 1980s and then relaunched legitimately as one of the first '[[Incremental Radio (IBA)|incremental]]' local commercial stations in 1990, set up to provide more localised and specialised programming.


[[Stoke-on-Trent]] based [[Signal Radio]] assumed control of the station, following difficulties in its latter incarnation, and KFM became memorable almost solely for its 7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. ''Night-time KFM'' output. This combined local and global new indie music with innovative DJing.
[[Stoke-on-Trent]] based [[Signal Radio]] assumed control of the station, following difficulties in its latter incarnation, and KFM became memorable almost solely for its 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. ''Night-time KFM'' output. This combined local and global new indie music with innovative DJing.


Presenters on air at this time include [[Craig Cash]], [[Caroline Aherne]] [http://www.southmanchesterreporter.co.uk/news/s/77/77820_how_a_love_affair_ended_laughter_at_the_buzz_club.html], [[Jon Ronson]], [[Terry Christian]] [https://web.archive.org/web/20101208204945/http://www.manchester2002-uk.com/celebs/broadcasters5.html] and [[Neil Cossar]],<ref>{{cite web|title=The web king of pop trivia - News - Arts - Greater Manchester's CityLife |url=http://www.citylife.co.uk/arts/news/8007_the_web_king_of_pop_trivia |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5gkZhPWKL?url=http://www.citylife.co.uk/arts/news/8007_the_web_king_of_pop_trivia |archivedate=13 May 2009 |url-status=live |accessdate=11 May 2009 |df=dmy }}</ref> all of which have gone on to forge successful careers in the media and performing arts.
Presenters on air at this time include [[Craig Cash]], [[Caroline Aherne]], [[Jon Ronson]], [[Terry Christian]] and [[Neil Cossar]],<ref>{{cite web|title=The web king of pop trivia – News – Arts – Greater Manchester's CityLife |url=http://www.citylife.co.uk/arts/news/8007_the_web_king_of_pop_trivia |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120801190958/http://www.citylife.co.uk/arts/news/8007_the_web_king_of_pop_trivia |archivedate=1 August 2012 |url-status=live |accessdate=11 May 2009 }}</ref> all of which have gone on to forge successful careers in the media and performing arts.


KFM was succeeded by Signal Cheshire.
KFM was succeeded by Signal Cheshire.
Line 34: Line 33:


===Signal Cheshire===
===Signal Cheshire===

In 1990 a new service was launched, in Cheshire, on 96.4 FM called ''Echo 96''. In 1991, this was renamed ''Signal Cheshire'' upon the acquisition of the ''KFM'' 104.9 transmitter. Based in Stockport, ''Signal Cheshire'' targeted the surrounding area of South Manchester and much of Cheshire, opting into networked programming from the Stoke-on-Trent site by night. There was a further change of identity in 1997 to ''Signal FM''.
In 1990 a new service was launched, in Cheshire, on 96.4 FM called ''Echo 96''. In 1991, this was renamed ''Signal Cheshire'' upon the acquisition of the ''KFM'' 104.9 transmitter. Based in Stockport, ''Signal Cheshire'' targeted the surrounding area of South Manchester and much of Cheshire, opting into networked programming from the Stoke-on-Trent site by night. There was a further change of identity in 1997 to ''Signal FM''.


In 2000, ''Imagine FM'' became the new rebranded service on 104.9 and 96.4, and when the 104.9 frequency was readvertised, the then-owners of both stations, [[The Wireless Group]], decided that the 96.4 transmitter should return to ''Signal One''.
In 2000, ''Imagine FM'' became the new rebranded service on 104.9 and 96.4, and when the 104.9 frequency was readvertised, the then-owners of both stations, [[The Wireless Group]], decided that the 96.4 transmitter should return to ''Signal One''.


The station uses the tag line ''Cheshire's No.1 More Music Station'' and prides itself on updating the area on local news and information.
The station uses the tag line ''Cheshire's No.1 More Music Station'' and prides itself on updating the area with local news and information.


The transmitter is based close to Stockport town centre.
The transmitter is based close to Stockport town centre.


===Sale===
===2009 sale===
On Wednesday 21 May 2008, [[Ofcom]] rejected a request by UTV to co-locate the station to [[Warrington]] alongside three of its stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/imagineformat/statement/|title=UTV request for Format Change to Imagine 104.9 (Stockport) Request rejected|date=21 May 2008|accessdate=14 June 2008|publisher=Ofcom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203230029/http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/imagineformat/statement/|archive-date=3 December 2008|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> As a result of Ofcom's decision, UTV placed Imagine FM up for sale in June 2008, stating that if a buyer cannot be found by 30 June 2008 then the stations licence would be handed back to Ofcom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080613/FREE/267231815/-1/breaking/-/-/stockport-radio-station-up-for-sale|title=Stockport radio station up for sale|date=13 June 2008|accessdate=14 June 2008|publisher=Crain's Manchester Business}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.3491|title=Uncertain future for Imagine FM|date=13 June 2008|accessdate=14 June 2008|publisher=Radio Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106093732/http://radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.3491|archive-date=6 January 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The station was sold by former Imagine owners [[UTV Radio]] in January 2009 and now trades as Imagine FM Limited.
On Wednesday 21 May 2008, [[Ofcom]] rejected a request by UTV to co-locate the station to [[Warrington]] alongside three of its stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/imagineformat/statement/|title=UTV request for Format Change to Imagine 104.9 (Stockport) Request rejected|date=21 May 2008|accessdate=14 June 2008|publisher=Ofcom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203230029/http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/imagineformat/statement/|archive-date=3 December 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> As a result of Ofcom's decision, UTV placed Imagine FM up for sale in June 2008, stating that if a buyer cannot be found by 30 June 2008 then the station's licence would be handed back to Ofcom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080613/FREE/267231815/-1/breaking/-/-/stockport-radio-station-up-for-sale|title=Stockport radio station up for sale|date=13 June 2008|accessdate=14 June 2008|publisher=Crain's Manchester Business}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.3491|title=Uncertain future for Imagine FM|date=13 June 2008|accessdate=14 June 2008|publisher=Radio Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106093732/http://radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.3491|archive-date=6 January 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The station was sold by former Imagine owners [[UTV Radio]] in January 2009 and now trades as Imagine FM Limited.
After 20 years of the 104.9 wavelength being based at Regent House, Stockport, Imagine FM moved to Waterloo Place, Stockport in November 2010 and now broadcasts from the legendary [[Strawberry Studios]].
After 20 years of the 104.9 wavelength being based at Regent House, Stockport, Imagine FM moved to Waterloo Place, Stockport in November 2010 and now broadcasts from the legendary [[Strawberry Studios]].


The transmitter was also relocated from Romiley to Stockport centre at the same time.
The transmitter was also relocated from Romiley to Stockport centre at the same time.


Under the ownership of the Helius Media Group, Imagine came under common ownership, and began to share programming with [[High Peak Radio]] in the Derbyshire dales.
<!--==Notable presenters==-->

<!--Any non-notable presenters (those without Wikipedia articles) added here are liable to be removed - if someone is considered notable (red linking is not enough), please write a Wikipedia article on them first, or provide multiple reputable independent sources to show they deserve an article and are associated with the station. Any presenters with Wikipedia articles also need such sources on this page to stay here.-->
===2021 sale and relaunch===
On 17 June 2021, it was announced that [[Bauer Radio]] would acquire the Imagine Radio services and add these to the [[Greatest Hits Radio]] network,<ref>[https://radiotoday.co.uk/2021/06/bauer-buys-imagine-to-extend-greatest-hits-radio/ RadioToday.co.uk, June 2021]</ref> further expanding GHR's coverage of both the Greater Manchester environs (following the earlier addition of Tower FM, Wish FM, Wire FM and most recently [[96.2 The Revolution]] to the group) and Derbyshire (where GHR already occupies the former [[Peak FM (North Derbyshire)|Peak FM]]).

== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.geocities.com/thehotw/aircheck_UKCheshire.htm History of local radio in Cheshire] ([https://www.webcitation.org/5keWNBypO?url=http://www.geocities.com/thehotw/aircheck_UKCheshire.htm Archived] 19 October 2009)
* [http://www.geocities.com/thehotw/aircheck_UKCheshire.htm History of local radio in Cheshire] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20091022155811/http://geocities.com/thehotw/aircheck_UKCheshire.htm Archived] 19 October 2009)
⚫
* [https://imagineradiouk.com Imagine FM website]
* [http://www.northwestradio.info/memories/kfm/ History of KFM]
* [http://www.northwestradio.info/memories/signal-radio/ History of Signal Radio]
⚫
* [http://www.imaginefm.net/ Imagine FM website]
* [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Imagine-FM/69419789202 Imagine FM Facebook page]
* [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Imagine-FM/69419789202 Imagine FM Facebook page]


{{clear}}
{{clear}}
{{Manchester radio|state=collapsed}}
{{Manchester radio|state=collapsed}}
{{Authority control}}


{{coord|53.4071|-2.1541|region:GB_type:landmark|display=title}}
{{coord|53.4071|-2.1541|region:GB_type:landmark|display=title}}

⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2013}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:104.9 Imagine Fm}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:104.9 Imagine Fm}}
[[Category:Radio stations in Manchester]]
[[Category:Radio stations in Manchester]]
[[Category:Media in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport]]
[[Category:Mass media in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport]]
[[Category:Former pirate radio stations]]
[[Category:Former pirate radio stations]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1990]]
[[Category:Radio stations disestablished in 2021]]
[[Category:Defunct radio stations in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Greatest Hits Radio]]

Latest revision as of 14:35, 30 September 2024

Imagine FM
Broadcast areaEastern Greater Manchester, north-west Derbyshire and north Cheshire
Frequency104.9 FM
Branding104.9 Imagine FM
Programming
FormatAdult contemporary
Ownership
OwnerBauer Media Group
History
First air date
1990
Last air date
1 September 2021
Links
Websiteimagineradiouk.co

Imagine FM was an Independent Local Radio station based in Stockport broadcasting to South Manchester and Cheshire in the North West of England.

History

[edit]

The station began its life as KFM, initially as a pirate local radio station based in Stockport and broadcasting to the South Manchester/North Cheshire area on 94.2 MHz and then on 1017 kHz.

KFM ran during the 1980s and then relaunched legitimately as one of the first 'incremental' local commercial stations in 1990, set up to provide more localised and specialised programming.

Stoke-on-Trent based Signal Radio assumed control of the station, following difficulties in its latter incarnation, and KFM became memorable almost solely for its 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Night-time KFM output. This combined local and global new indie music with innovative DJing.

Presenters on air at this time include Craig Cash, Caroline Aherne, Jon Ronson, Terry Christian and Neil Cossar,[1] all of which have gone on to forge successful careers in the media and performing arts.

KFM was succeeded by Signal Cheshire.

Imagine FM is now trading as an independent radio station since it was bought from UTV Radio in January 2009.

Signal Cheshire

[edit]

In 1990 a new service was launched, in Cheshire, on 96.4 FM called Echo 96. In 1991, this was renamed Signal Cheshire upon the acquisition of the KFM 104.9 transmitter. Based in Stockport, Signal Cheshire targeted the surrounding area of South Manchester and much of Cheshire, opting into networked programming from the Stoke-on-Trent site by night. There was a further change of identity in 1997 to Signal FM.

In 2000, Imagine FM became the new rebranded service on 104.9 and 96.4, and when the 104.9 frequency was readvertised, the then-owners of both stations, The Wireless Group, decided that the 96.4 transmitter should return to Signal One.

The station uses the tag line Cheshire's No.1 More Music Station and prides itself on updating the area with local news and information.

The transmitter is based close to Stockport town centre.

2009 sale

[edit]

On Wednesday 21 May 2008, Ofcom rejected a request by UTV to co-locate the station to Warrington alongside three of its stations.[2] As a result of Ofcom's decision, UTV placed Imagine FM up for sale in June 2008, stating that if a buyer cannot be found by 30 June 2008 then the station's licence would be handed back to Ofcom.[3][4] The station was sold by former Imagine owners UTV Radio in January 2009 and now trades as Imagine FM Limited. After 20 years of the 104.9 wavelength being based at Regent House, Stockport, Imagine FM moved to Waterloo Place, Stockport in November 2010 and now broadcasts from the legendary Strawberry Studios.

The transmitter was also relocated from Romiley to Stockport centre at the same time.

Under the ownership of the Helius Media Group, Imagine came under common ownership, and began to share programming with High Peak Radio in the Derbyshire dales.

2021 sale and relaunch

[edit]

On 17 June 2021, it was announced that Bauer Radio would acquire the Imagine Radio services and add these to the Greatest Hits Radio network,[5] further expanding GHR's coverage of both the Greater Manchester environs (following the earlier addition of Tower FM, Wish FM, Wire FM and most recently 96.2 The Revolution to the group) and Derbyshire (where GHR already occupies the former Peak FM).

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The web king of pop trivia – News – Arts – Greater Manchester's CityLife". Archived from the original on 1 August 2012. Retrieved 11 May 2009.
  2. ^ "UTV request for Format Change to Imagine 104.9 (Stockport) Request rejected". Ofcom. 21 May 2008. Archived from the original on 3 December 2008. Retrieved 14 June 2008.
  3. ^ "Stockport radio station up for sale". Crain's Manchester Business. 13 June 2008. Retrieved 14 June 2008.
  4. ^ "Uncertain future for Imagine FM". Radio Today. 13 June 2008. Archived from the original on 6 January 2011. Retrieved 14 June 2008.
  5. ^ RadioToday.co.uk, June 2021
[edit]


53°24′26″N 2°09′15″W / 53.4071°N 2.1541°W / 53.4071; -2.1541

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