Jump to content

The Revolution (radio station): Difference between revisions

Edit links
Coordinates: 53°32′33″N 2°07′00″W / 53.5425°N 2.1168°W / 53.5425; -2.1168
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
remove fansite per WP:EL
 
(22 intermediate revisions by 14 users not shown)
Line 6: Line 6:
}}
}}
{{Infobox radio station
{{Infobox radio station
| name = Revolution 96.2
| name = Revolution 96.2
| logo = Revolution_962.png
| logo = Revolution_962.png
| logo_size = 200px
| logo_size = 200px
| city = Oldham
| city = Oldham
| area = [[Metropolitan Borough of Oldham|Oldham]], [[Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale|Rochdale]], [[Tameside]]
| area = [[Metropolitan Borough of Oldham|Oldham]], [[Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale|Rochdale]], [[Tameside]]
| branding =
| branding =
⚫
| airdate = {{Start date|1999|8|30|df=yes}}
| slogan = ''Made for Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside''
| airdate = {{Start date|1999|8|30|df=yes}}
| last_airdate = {{End date|2020|11|16|df=yes}}
⚫
| frequency = [[FM broadcasting|FM]]: {{Frequency|96.2|MHz}}<br>[[Digital Audio Broadcasting|DAB]]: 10B
⚫
| last_airdate = {{End date|2020|11|16|df=yes}}
| rds = Rev_96.2
⚫
| frequency = {{Frequency|96.2|MHz}}<br><small>RDS: Rev_96.2</small><br>[[Digital Audio Broadcasting|DAB]]: 10B
| format = [[Adult contemporary]]
| format = [[Adult contemporary]]
| language = [[English language|English]]
| language = [[English language|English]]
⚫
| coordinates = {{coord|53.5425|-2.1168|type:landmark_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
| erp =
| owner =
⚫
| coordinates = {{coord|53.5425|-2.1168|type:landmark_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
| owner = [[Bauer Media]]
| sister_stations =
| sister_stations =
| website = {{url|http://www.revolution962.com/}}
| website =
}}
}}


'''Revolution 96.2''' was an [[Independent Local Radio]] station broadcasting to the areas of [[Metropolitan Borough of Oldham|Oldham]], [[Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale|Rochdale]] and [[Tameside]] in [[Greater Manchester]], [[England]]. The station ceased broadcasting on 16 November 2020 and output was replaced by [[Greatest Hits Radio Greater Manchester]].
'''Revolution 96.2''' was an [[Independent Local Radio]] station serving the [[Metropolitan Borough of Oldham|Oldham]], [[Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale|Rochdale]] and [[Tameside]] areas of [[Greater Manchester]].

Following its sale to [[Bauer Media Audio UK]], the station was closed and merged with the [[Greatest Hits Radio]] network in November 2020.


==History==
==History==
Oldham F.M. Limited was incorporated on 5 June 1997, Bernard Stone, Philip Hirst and Christopher Hirst of Hirst Kidd and Rennie LTD, owners of [[Oldham Evening Chronicle]], were appointed company directors. The following December David Bruce and Stephen Kitney of UK Radio Developments LTD, as well as Nichola Atkinson, John Gracie and Liam Forristal were also added as company directors.<ref name="CH">{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/03382101|title=OLDHAM F.M. LIMITED|publisher=Companies House|accessdate=9 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="Plunkett">{{cite web|first=John|last=Plunkett|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/sep/15/commercialradio.radio|title=The Revolution's listeners wake up to Steve Penk|publisher=The Guardian|date=15 September 2008|accessdate=9 April 2016}}</ref>
Oldham FM Limited was incorporated on 5 June 1997 - Bernard Stone, Philip Hirst and Christopher Hirst of Hirst Kidd and Rennie Ltd., owners of local newspaper [[Oldham Evening Chronicle]], were appointed company directors. The following December, David Bruce and Stephen Kitney of UK Radio Developments LTD, as well as Nichola Atkinson, John Gracie and Liam Forristal were also added as company directors.<ref name="CH">{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/03382101|title=OLDHAM F.M. LIMITED|publisher=Companies House|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="Plunkett">{{cite web|first=John|last=Plunkett|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/sep/15/commercialradio.radio|title=The Revolution's listeners wake up to Steve Penk|work=The Guardian|date=15 September 2008|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref>


The new owners began to bid for a full-time broadcasting licence, while using temporary licences broadcasting for one month per year. After two years a licence was granted. On 30 August 1999 Oldham F.M. began broadcasting under the name 96.2 The Revolution. The name was chosen because of the [[Industrial Revolution]], in which the region took a major role, and the initial letters of its three main target areas &ndash; '''R'''ev'''o'''lu'''t'''ion. {{citation needed|date=April 2016}} The station initially launched with a general pop and rock format and remained as such from 1999-2005.
The new owners launched a bid for a full-time broadcasting licence, while using temporary RSL licences, broadcasting for one month per year. After two years, a licence was granted. On 30 August 1999, Oldham FM began broadcasting under the name 96.2 The Revolution. The name was chosen because of the [[Industrial Revolution]], in which the region took a major role, and the initial letters of its three main target areas &ndash; '''R'''ev'''o'''lu'''t'''ion. {{citation needed|date=April 2016}}


In 2005, the station changed to a more specialist music format. Playing a wide variety of [[alternative (music)|alternative]]/[[soul (music)|soul]] & [[rock and roll]] music, mixing brand new artists with gems from the last 40 years. [[Inspiral Carpets]] keyboard player [[Clint Boon]] took over as head of music.<ref name="Clint Boon">{{cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music/clint-heading-up-a-radio-revolution-1061334|title=Clint heading up a radio revolution|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=30 June 2005|accessdate=9 April 2016}}</ref> Boon left the station after a short period of time for its then rival, [[Xfm Manchester]].
The Revolution initially ran a mainstream pop and rock music format, but in 2005, the station's playlist changed to a specialist mix of new and classic [[alternative (music)|alternative]], [[soul (music)|soul]] & [[rock and roll]] music, spanning the last 40 years. [[Inspiral Carpets]] keyboard player [[Clint Boon]] briefly took over as its head of music,<ref name="Clint Boon">{{cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music/clint-heading-up-a-radio-revolution-1061334|title=Clint heading up a radio revolution|publisher=Manchester Evening News|date=30 June 2005|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref> before leaving to join rival station [[XFM Manchester]].


In 2008 the station's audience went into decline due to several factors and the business was put on the market. The station's format was changed by its then owner, who physically changed the music policy during one afternoon in late August of that year. The output became a repeat of mainly repetitive mainstream hits. This radical change lead to a walk-out by most of the DJ's, resulting in the station playing back to back music with only a few mainly pre-recorded links in between.<ref>{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Smith|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/organgrinder/2008/sep/03/post106|title=The Revolution: how not to relaunch a radio station?|publisher=The Guardian|date=3 September 2008|accessdate=9 April 2016}}</ref>
Following a big fall in listening figures, The Revolution was put up for sale in 2008, and its music format reverted to heavily rotated mainstream pop and rock - a change reportedly imposed by the station's owner during an afternoon in late August 2008. Most of the station's presenters walked out, resulting in long periods of non-stop automated music.<ref>{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Smith|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/organgrinder/2008/sep/03/post106|title=The Revolution: how not to relaunch a radio station?|work=The Guardian|date=3 September 2008|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref>


A fortnight after the walk-out, it was announced that The Revolution had been purchased by broadcaster [[Steve Penk]], formerly of [[Key 103]] and [[95.8 Capital FM|Capital FM]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Hooton|url=http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news-headlines/13761/penk-planning-a-radio-revolution|title=Penk planning a radio revolution|date=8 September 2008|accessdate=9 April 2016}}</ref> Penk changed the station format back to an Adult Contemporary sound.<ref name="Plunkett"/>
A fortnight after the walkout, it was announced that The Revolution had been purchased by former [[Key 103]] and [[95.8 Capital FM|Capital FM]] presenter [[Steve Penk]], who reverted the format change and took over the station's breakfast show.<ref>{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Hooton|url=http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news-headlines/13761/penk-planning-a-radio-revolution|title=Penk planning a radio revolution|date=8 September 2008|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref>


In January 2014 Penk sold the radio station to Credible Media. New head Matt Ramsbottom vowed to create stronger links with local businesses and institutions and use the station as an advertising platform.<ref>{{cite web|first=Robbie|last=MacDonald|url=http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news-headlines/84110/penk-bows-out-of-revolution-radio|title=Penk bows out of Revolution radio|publisher=Oldham Evening Chronicle|date=9 January 2014|accessdate=9 April 2016}}</ref>
In January 2014, Penk sold the radio station to Credible Media, which sought to create stronger links with local businesses and institutions in the target service area.<ref>{{cite web|first=Robbie|last=MacDonald|url=http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news-headlines/84110/penk-bows-out-of-revolution-radio|title=Penk bows out of Revolution radio|publisher=Oldham Evening Chronicle|date=9 January 2014|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref>


On 30 August 2015 [[Niocast Digital]] began a trial of broadcasting six radio stations on small-scale DAB multiplex 10B, including Revolution 96.2, to people in Manchester.<ref>{{cite web|first=Roy|last=Martin|url=http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/08/manchester-small-scale-dab-service-launched/|title=Manchester small-scale DAB service launched|publisher=Radio Today|date=30 August 2015|accessdate=9 April 2016}}</ref>
On 30 August 2015, [[Niocast Digital]] began a trial of broadcasting six radio stations on small-scale DAB multiplex 10B in Greater Manchester, including The Revolution.<ref>{{cite web|first=Roy|last=Martin|url=http://radiotoday.co.uk/2015/08/manchester-small-scale-dab-service-launched/|title=Manchester small-scale DAB service launched|publisher=Radio Today|date=30 August 2015|access-date=9 April 2016}}</ref>


On 23 October 2020 it was announced that [[Bauer Media]] had purchased the station and would rebrand it to [[Greatest Hits Radio]] by the end of 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Roy |title=Revolution 96.2 sold to Bauer for Greatest Hits Radio |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2020/10/revolution-96-2-sold-to-bauer-for-greatest-hits-radio/ |website=Radio Today |accessdate=23 October 2020 |date=22 October 2020}}</ref>
On 23 October 2020, it was announced [[Bauer Media|Bauer]] had bought the station.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Roy |title=Revolution 96.2 sold to Bauer for Greatest Hits Radio |url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2020/10/revolution-96-2-sold-to-bauer-for-greatest-hits-radio/ |website=Radio Today |access-date=23 October 2020 |date=22 October 2020}}</ref> Revolution 96.2 ceased broadcasting on 16 November 2020 and was replaced by [[Greatest Hits Radio North West]].


==Audience==
==Audience==
Line 69: Line 70:
{{bar percent 2|2014|Q1-2|blue|2.3|Q3-4|blue|2.1}}
{{bar percent 2|2014|Q1-2|blue|2.3|Q3-4|blue|2.1}}
{{bar percent 2|2015|Q1-2|blue|2.8|Q3-4|blue|1.6}}
{{bar percent 2|2015|Q1-2|blue|2.8|Q3-4|blue|1.6}}
|caption=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajar.co.uk/listening/quarterly_listening.php|title=Quarterly listening figures|publisher=Rajar|accessdate=10 April 2016}}</ref>
|caption=<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajar.co.uk/listening/quarterly_listening.php|title=Quarterly listening figures|publisher=Rajar|access-date=10 April 2016}}</ref>
}}
}}


==Notable presenters==
==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.-->

===Notable past presenters===
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* [[James H. Reeve]]<ref name="Plunkett"/>
* [[James H. Reeve]]<ref name="Plunkett"/>
Line 87: Line 85:


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


==External links==
==External links==

* [http://www.therevolution962.com Official web site]
* [https://media.info/radio/stations/962-the-revolution Media UK directory entry]


{{Manchester Radio}}
{{Manchester Radio}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Revolution (Radio Station)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Revolution (Radio Station)}}
Line 100: Line 98:
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1999]]
[[Category:Radio stations established in 1999]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1999 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Defunct radio stations in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:2020 disestablishments in England]]
[[Category:Radio stations disestablished in 2020]]
[[Category:Greatest Hits Radio]]

Latest revision as of 21:02, 6 October 2024

Revolution 96.2
  • Oldham
Broadcast areaOldham, Rochdale, Tameside
FrequencyFM: 96.2 MHz
DAB: 10B
RDSRev_96.2
Programming
Language(s)English
FormatAdult contemporary
History
First air date
30 August 1999 (1999-08-30)
Last air date
16 November 2020 (2020-11-16)
Technical information
Transmitter coordinates
53°32′33″N 2°07′00″W / 53.5425°N 2.1168°W / 53.5425; -2.1168

Revolution 96.2 was an Independent Local Radio station serving the Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside areas of Greater Manchester.

Following its sale to Bauer Media Audio UK, the station was closed and merged with the Greatest Hits Radio network in November 2020.

History

[edit]

Oldham FM Limited was incorporated on 5 June 1997 - Bernard Stone, Philip Hirst and Christopher Hirst of Hirst Kidd and Rennie Ltd., owners of local newspaper Oldham Evening Chronicle, were appointed company directors. The following December, David Bruce and Stephen Kitney of UK Radio Developments LTD, as well as Nichola Atkinson, John Gracie and Liam Forristal were also added as company directors.[1][2]

The new owners launched a bid for a full-time broadcasting licence, while using temporary RSL licences, broadcasting for one month per year. After two years, a licence was granted. On 30 August 1999, Oldham FM began broadcasting under the name 96.2 The Revolution. The name was chosen because of the Industrial Revolution, in which the region took a major role, and the initial letters of its three main target areas – Revolution. [citation needed]

The Revolution initially ran a mainstream pop and rock music format, but in 2005, the station's playlist changed to a specialist mix of new and classic alternative, soul & rock and roll music, spanning the last 40 years. Inspiral Carpets keyboard player Clint Boon briefly took over as its head of music,[3] before leaving to join rival station XFM Manchester.

Following a big fall in listening figures, The Revolution was put up for sale in 2008, and its music format reverted to heavily rotated mainstream pop and rock - a change reportedly imposed by the station's owner during an afternoon in late August 2008. Most of the station's presenters walked out, resulting in long periods of non-stop automated music.[4]

A fortnight after the walkout, it was announced that The Revolution had been purchased by former Key 103 and Capital FM presenter Steve Penk, who reverted the format change and took over the station's breakfast show.[5]

In January 2014, Penk sold the radio station to Credible Media, which sought to create stronger links with local businesses and institutions in the target service area.[6]

On 30 August 2015, Niocast Digital began a trial of broadcasting six radio stations on small-scale DAB multiplex 10B in Greater Manchester, including The Revolution.[7]

On 23 October 2020, it was announced Bauer had bought the station.[8] Revolution 96.2 ceased broadcasting on 16 November 2020 and was replaced by Greatest Hits Radio North West.

Audience

[edit]
Audience figures
Year Quarter Share
2000 Q1-2
  
 4.6%
Q3-4
  
 6.3%
2001 Q1-2
  
 5.2%
Q3-4
  
 6.1%
2002 Q1-2
  
 7.9%
Q3-4
  
 7.4%
2003 Q1-2
  
 6.9%
Q3-4
  
 5.7%
2004 Q1-2
  
 6.1%
Q3-4
  
 4.4%
2005 Q1-2
  
 4.1%
Q3-4
  
 4.6%
2006 Q1-2
  
 5.2%
Q3-4
  
 4.8%
2007 Q1-2
  
 1.5%
Q3-4
  
 0.8%
2008 Q1-2
  
 1.4%
Q3-4
  
 1.1%
2009 Q1-2
  
 2.8%
Q3-4
  
 4.0%
2010 Q1-2
  
 3.5%
Q3-4
  
 2.0%
2011 Q1-2
  
 5.4%
Q3-4
  
 3.2%
2012 Q1-2
  
 2.6%
Q3-4
  
 2.1%
2013 Q1-2
  
 4.1%
Q3-4
  
 2.7%
2014 Q1-2
  
 2.3%
Q3-4
  
 2.1%
2015 Q1-2
  
 2.8%
Q3-4
  
 1.6%
[9]

Notable presenters

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "OLDHAM F.M. LIMITED". Companies House. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  2. ^ a b c Plunkett, John (15 September 2008). "The Revolution's listeners wake up to Steve Penk". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Clint heading up a radio revolution". Manchester Evening News. 30 June 2005. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  4. ^ Smith, Paul (3 September 2008). "The Revolution: how not to relaunch a radio station?". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  5. ^ Hooton, Richard (8 September 2008). "Penk planning a radio revolution". Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  6. ^ MacDonald, Robbie (9 January 2014). "Penk bows out of Revolution radio". Oldham Evening Chronicle. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  7. ^ Martin, Roy (30 August 2015). "Manchester small-scale DAB service launched". Radio Today. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  8. ^ Martin, Roy (22 October 2020). "Revolution 96.2 sold to Bauer for Greatest Hits Radio". Radio Today. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
  9. ^ "Quarterly listening figures". Rajar. Retrieved 10 April 2016.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=The_Revolution_(radio_station)&oldid=1249791266"