Spectrum Radio

The Spectrum Radio Network
  • London
Broadcast areaGreater London
FrequencyDAB[1]
Programming
FormatMulti Language Speech and Music
Ownership
OwnerSpectrum Radio Group
History
First air date
1990 - 2021
Links
WebsiteThe Spectrum Radio Network official site at the Wayback Machine (archived December 30, 2018)

Spectrum Radio was a multi-ethnic radio network based in London. It catered to over 20 different ethnic communities, each of which were aired on the station at various times of the week.[2]

Spectrum Radio was distinguished by its multiethnic, foreign language programmes, many of which had been on air since its launch in 1990.[3]

The station launched as a MW-only station on 558 kHz and in its early months, the station clashed with pirate station Radio Caroline, which used the same frequency. This caused more interference to Spectrum than vice versa. Spectrum threatened to sue the Radio Authority, which then allowed Spectrum to temporarily broadcast on 990 kHz alongside 558 kHz. Eventually, Caroline left 558 kHz and moved to 819 kHz prior to it stopping broadcasting on 5 November 1990.[4] Consequently, the temporary transmitter on 990 kHz was switched off.

In 2019, the station switched to DAB only.[5]

In 2019 the station's studio moved to a new facility on London's South Bank.[6]

In February 2020, the station was issued with a winding up order by the High Court and its broadcasting licence was therefore suspended.[7] The online broadcast was discontinued after the last date on 18 November 2021.

  1. ^ "How to listen". Archived from the original on 13 February 2019. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  2. ^ "Spectrum Radio". Mondotimes. Archived from the original on 6 August 2024. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
  3. ^ "Spectrum Radio Licence Format". Ofcom. Archived from the original on 3 August 2008. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  4. ^ "First & last". Offshoreechos.com. Archived from the original on 6 February 2007. Retrieved 4 November 2011.
  5. ^ "Frequency change request for Love Sport and Panjab Radio". Radio Today. 11 February 2019. Archived from the original on 13 February 2019. Retrieved 12 February 2019.
  6. ^ "Spectrum Radio Network Unveils New London Studios". 5 September 2019. Archived from the original on 16 January 2024. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
  7. ^ "Liquidators appointed at Spectrum Radio Limited". 25 February 2020. Archived from the original on 9 November 2021. Retrieved 6 August 2024.