Premier Christian Radio has started broadcasting nationally on the Digital One multiplex this morning, reaching more than 90 per cent of the population for the first time.
The station launched as a medium wave local station in 1994 when it was only available in parts of London.
Chief Executive Peter Kerridge says: "For the past few years it’s been our ambition to bring Christian radio to listeners across Britain. It’s a campaign that’s seen lobbying of Parliament, letter-writing campaigns to the regulator and people at prayer across the country. This is the biggest step for our radio station since its launch. We’re grateful to church leaders from all of the major Christian denominations who’ve supported this initiative, and to the thousands of individual listeners who are backing us financially to pay for national transmission.”
Premier Christian Radio’s programming includes Inspirational Breakfast, the daily magazine show Woman to Woman, Premier Worship, Premier Drive and Worship and Gospel Tonight. It also broadcasts talks, discussion programmes and specialist music programmes. Premier’s positioning statement is “Inspiring – Uplifting – Rejoicing”.
Digital One’s Operations Director, Glyn Jones: "It’s a big step to see Premier joining the UK’s biggest commercial radio stations on Digital One alongside the likes of Classic FM, Absolute Radio and Planet Rock. This gives them the chance to compete for the same listeners with a very different type of radio. In terms of our business, it’s the first time that a contract on Digital One is being paid for largely via fund-raising among the audience, with listeners writing cheques to fund Premier’s expansion. It demonstrates a level of listener involvement and support that other stations undoubtedly envy."
