Angel Radio Isle of Wight is moving closer to becoming a digital radio station, in a development the station says will allow it to reach a much wider audience across the Island.
The community station is awaiting approval from Ofcom to grant a digital licence, which it plans to use in partnership with the Wight Digital radio network.
Expanding reach
The station has confirmed that existing FM listeners will not lose access to the service, with broadcasts continuing on 91.50 FM.
This year marks Angel Radio’s 27th year on air and 19 years of full-time FM broadcasting.
A community institution
Angel Radio first launched in 1999, making it the Island’s first community radio station. It began full-time broadcasting in 2001 via what was then called Wight Cable, now known as Wight Fibre.
After a lengthy campaign to secure a permanent licence, the station began 24-hour FM broadcasting on 91.50 FM on 24th March 2007. Volunteers continue to run and staff the station entirely.
A unique offering
Angel Radio’s programming draws heavily on classic British and American radio, with comedy programmes including Hancock’s Half Hour, The Goons, Round the Horn, and Life with the Lyons featuring regularly in the schedule.
Saturday mornings bring adventure serials such as The Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers and Hopalong Cassidy, while Sunday mornings feature Journey into Space. American vintage radio programmes including Dragnet, The Shadow, Harry Lime, and Sherlock Holmes also feature in the output.
The station also plays music spanning 1900 to 1969, with artists such as Bing Crosby, Al Jolson, and Nat King Cole among those featured, alongside programmes from local presenters.
Angel Radio broadcasts without commercial advertising.
