Nation Radio Suffolk
Broadcast areaSuffolk
FrequencyFM: 102.0 MHz
DAB: 10C
RDSNation
BrandingNation Radio
Programming
FormatPop Music
NetworkNation Radio Network
Ownership
OwnerNation Broadcasting
OperatorNation Broadcasting
History
First air date
1 August 2018 (as Ipswich 102)
Former names
Ipswich 102 (2018–2020)
Greatest Hits Radio (2020-2022)
Links
WebsiteNation Radio Suffolk

Nation Radio Suffolk is an Independent Local Radio station owned and operated by Nation Broadcasting. It broadcasts from Ipswich in Suffolk.

As of September 2023, the station broadcasts to a weekly audience of 16,000, according to RAJAR.[1]

History

The licence for the area had previously been held by Town 102 but Ofcom awarded the licence to Ipswich 102.[2] This had been the first time in its history that Ofcom had not awarded a re-advertised licence to the incumbent broadcaster. Ofcom said that it regarded the station's multiplex holdings as reason why the new operator would be able to support the station: "Ipswich FM’s commitment to broadcasting on the Suffolk DAB multiplex means it would have access to a greater number of potential listeners than the incumbent licensee, which does not, and did not indicate any plans to, broadcast on DAB."[3] The launch of the station was led by Paul Morris, formerly a presenter on SGR-FM and until 2017 the programme director for Town 102, the station Ipswich 102 replaced.

Closure

On 15 October 2020, joint shareholders Nation Broadcasting and Bauer announced that the station had agreed a brand licence to rebrand Ipswich 102 to Greatest Hits Radio East from November 2020. The station will take the local drivetime programme that is currently broadcast on the existing neighbouring network stations, with all other programming being networked from Liverpool & Manchester.

Town 102 became Hits Radio Suffolk on 3 November 2020.

Nation Radio

On 1 October 2022, Nation Broadcasting has taken back the frequency and simulcast Nation Radio UK, except on weekday afternoons between 3pm and 7pm, where the station opts out of network programming, for a localised show, presented by Rob Chandler.[4]

References

  1. https://www.rajar.co.uk/listening/quarterly_listening.php
  2. "Ofcom awards the Ipswich commercial radio licence to Ipswich FM".
  3. "Ipswich Commercial Radio Award" (PDF).
  4. Nation Radio removes Bauer branding from its stations Radio Today, 1 October 2022

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