97.4 Rock FM

Radio station
name = 97.4 Rock FM


slogan = "More of the Music You Love"
airdate = October 5 1982
frequency = 97.4 MHz
(DAB—223.93MHz)
932 Virgin Media(NW region)
share = 8.5%
share as of = March 2008
share source = [http://www.rajar.co.uk/listening/quarterly_listening.php]
area = Lancashire
format = Contemporary
owner = Bauer Radio

97.4 Rock FM is an Independent Local Radio station broadcasting to North West England. Its output is principally contemporary pop, and hits from the present, 80s and 90s. It is owned by Bauer Radio and is part of their Big City Network of stations.

History

In 1990, Red Rose Radio, which was transmitted on 97.4MHz and 999kHz, was split into two stations - Red Rose Rock FM using the FM frequency and Red Rose Gold on the medium wave frequency. The managing director was Dave Lincoln and at that time the station was owned by the Miss World Group, later known as TransWorld Communications (owned by Owen Oyston and which subsequently became part of Bauer Radio (previously "EMAP Radio"). Dave Lincoln was one of the presenters on the new Red Rose Gold station alongside other names such as John Myers, Dave Shearer, Derek Webster and Dave Collins.

Later the FM station became known as Rock FM and the AM frequency became Red Rose 999. After acquisitions by EMAP, Red Rose 999 became Magic 999.

Present

Rock FM is based in a former church in Preston, Lancashire, it broadcasts across the region at 97.4MHz FM.

Rock FM plays commercial chart music from now and the last 20 years, with more recent music predominating. It should be noted that the name is a misnomer as very little actual rock music is played. "Rock" was a reference to the 'rocking' music played on the station in contrast to older music on its sister station, Red Rose Gold.

In January 2007, 97.4 Rock FM linked up with sister station, Key 103 in Manchester to network their weekday evening shows across both stations. The show was called 'North West's Most Wanted'. Later in 2007, current owners at the time, Emap Radio extended the show across all Big Cig City Network station in England. The show was renamed 'In Demand with Rich & Luce' and is broadcast from Key 103, Manchester along with other networked shows.

Rock FM has, in the last year or so, been nominated for numerous awards. adam@breakfast has won parts of the ARQIVAs, European radio awards and New York radio awards. Hywel and Jamie have been nominated for several awards as well, including the Sonys.

Presenters and Shows

The presenters and shows as of May 2008 includes:

Current Presenters and Shows

Monday-Thursday

*Nicksy - Early Morning Nicksy "(Bauer Radio Networked Show)"
*Adam Catterall - Adam @ Breakfast
*Paul Webster - Top Ten At Ten
*Workplace Anthems - "(Automated)"
*Hywel & Jamie's Drivetime Adventure - Drive
*Rich & Luce - In Demand "(Bauer Radio Networked Show)"
*Vicky Warham - The Late Show

Friday

*Nicksy - Early Morning Nicksy "(Bauer Radio Networked Show)"
*Adam Catterall - Adam @ Breakfast
*Paul Webster - Top Ten At Ten
*Workplace Anthems - "(Automated)"
*Hywel & Jamie's Drivetime Adventure - Drive
*Luce - Feel Good Friday Night "(Bauer Radio Networked Show)"
*Craig Pilling - Late show

aturday

*Dominic Walker - Saturday 2am-6am
*Danny Bee - Saturday Breakfast
*Matt Mackay - Lunchtime Show
*JC and Vicky - Afternoon Show
*Paul Webster - Club Tunes
*Mark Freejack - Floorfillers
*Craig Pilling - Late show

unday

*Dominic Walker - Sunday 2am-6am
*Vicky Warham - Sunday Breakfast
*Rob Charles - Retro Countdown
*Adam Catterall - Adam's Sunday Service
*Lucio - hit40uk, Sunday 4pm-7pm "(National Simulcast Show from Gcap Media)"
*Baz Todd - Old School Anthems
*Craig Pilling - Late show

Past Presenters

Past presenters from Rock FM include:

External links

* [http://www.rockfm.co.uk Official website]
* [http://www.northwestradio.info/memories/redrose.htm North West Radio] Images of Red Rose presenters and schedule.
* [http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.1485 News article about Rock FM's new networked evening program, Jan 2007]