Blackpool’s local radio station was 21 years old on Saturday, as the station revealed it has raised over £1m for charity.
It’s the total amount generated since the station launched on May 25th 1992, covering Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde with a transmitter on top of Blackpool Tower.
The station is now owned by UTV Media but still based in the same location it started off in – 965 Mowbray Drive and was the first of its kind to be granted a licence to cover a smaller area by the then Radio Authority.
Chairman John Barnett, who was awarded the MBE for services to radio broadcasting, said: “It’s fantastic that Radio Wave has raised over £1million for local good causes and I want to thank everyone who has put their hand in their pocket to help.
“The station was originally set up by local people who were willing to invest in the idea because they believed that Blackpool and the Fylde should have its own radio station. After 21 years the station continues to go from strength to strength.”
John launched the station with an opening speech followed by Neil Sexton on breakfast.
Station director, Paula Davies, said: “Radio Wave is part of everyone’s life on the Fylde coast and we have always been keen to give back to the local society. Some of our major achievements have included raising over £95,000 for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal and a similar amount to help establish Blackpool Carers Centre.
“Radio Wave has been a big supporter of the Beaverbrooks 10k Fun Run along the promenade which has raised many hundreds of thousands for a wide range of good causes locally and other beneficiaries include Donna’s Dream House, Brian House Children’s Hospice, the Butterfly Group, Pinpoint Prostate Cancer Appeal and NSPCC.
“Our most recent fundraising campaign saw breakfast show presenters Ged and Hayley spend a week in Blackpool Tower to raise £15,000 for Chloe’s Wish to Walk campaign and help it smash its £70,000 target.
“I’m very proud of what Radio Wave has achieved over the last 21 years and we’re busy planning for bigger and better things in the future.”
Posted on Monday, May 27th, 2013 at 9:00 pm by RadioToday UK