Gemini FM

Infobox Radio station


name=Gemini FM
airdate= 1 January 1995
frequency=96.4 MHz, 97.0 MHz
and 103.0 MHz
share = 14.3%
share as of = September 2007
share source = [http://www.rajar.co.uk/listening/quarterly_listening.php]
area= Exeter and Torbay
format =Contemporary
owner = Global Radio
website = [http://www.geminiexeter.co.uk www.geminiexeter.co.uk]
[http://www.geminitorbay.co.uk www.geminitorbay.co.uk]

Gemini FM is an Independent Local Radio station broadcasting to Exeter and Torbay in Devon, England. It is part of the The One Network and is owned by Global Radio. It is based at Exeter Business Park in Exeter and Harbourpoint in Torquay.

It broadcasts from Beacon Hill, near Torbay on 96.4FM, from Exeter St Thomas on 97FM, and Stockland Hill, near Honiton on 103FM and also on DAB digital radio.

Launched on January 1 1995 Gemini Radio was owned by the Orchard Media Group. Taking over from the popular [http://www.devonairradio.com DevonAir Radio.] . The station soon began to build up an army of fans and supporters and is now one of the most listened to stations in the westcountry.

In November 2005 it was announced that GCap's local radio stations in the South West, including Gemini FM, were to be sold. This was due to the fact that they are outside of the company's primary target area [http://www.gcapmedia.com/assets/dynamic/87/files/full_interim_statement_and_numbers.doc] . However, since then, they have been taken off the market, due to lack of possible viable suitors.

In September 2008, it was announced that Gemini FM is to become Heart FM from 1 November 2008, as part of a national rebranding exercise by owners Global Radio which will see twenty-nine stations renamed as Heart Radio. Most of Heart Radio's programming will be produced in London, with the only local shows being the breakfast and drivetime shows during the week. [http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008/sep/16/globalradio.commercialradio] Broadcasts from the Torquay harbourside studio have ceased, and all programmes are now produced at the studio in Exeter. Gemini's managing director Francis Flanagan commented: "This development is important for the future strength of Gemini. Commercial radio is consolidating to ensure it is a strong competitor to the BBC, and we will continue to provide our listeners and advertisers with a first-rate local station, supported by the largest owner of commercial radio in Britain. Having our broadcast team together at Exeter should make the product better, but behind-the-scenes staff will remain in Torquay." [http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/Heart-transplant-Gemini-FM/article-341380-detail/article.html?cacheBust=cahl4xc6bFeS#community]

External links

* [http://www.geminifm.co.uk/ Main Gemini FM Page]
* [http://www.geminiexeter.co.uk Gemini FM Exeter]
* [http://www.geminitorbay.co.uk Gemini FM Torbay]
* [http://www.geocities.com/thehotw/aircheck_UKDevon.htm History of local radio in Devon]
* [http://tx.mb21.co.uk/gallery/beaconhill/index.asp Beacon Hill mast]
* [http://tx.mb21.co.uk/gallery/exeter-st-thomas.asp Exeter St Thomas mast]
* [http://tx.mb21.co.uk/gallery/stocklandhill/index.asp Stockland Hill mast]

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