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UK's oldest independent radio station switches off AM transmitter after 55 years

Wednesday, 21 June 2023 12:38

By Barbara Constable

URY studio red. Photo: University Radio York

University Radio York is switching off its AM transmitter for the final time this Sunday, 25th June 2023.

The station has broadcast on different AM frequencies since its formation in 1968, when it was the first legal independent radio station in the UK and broadcasts to students at the University of York.

Shortly before the turn of the millennium, URY moved onto 1350AM where it has stayed. 

After completing a one year trial during the 2021-2022 academic year, Ofcom approved URY’s FM Restricted Service Licence to cover campus for five years until August 2027. 

Station Manager Harvey Mellor said: “Broadcasting on AM has been an important part of URY’s image and sound for more than five decades. With AM radios now used less and less, broadcasting on FM and online is the way forward.” 

“We are looking forward to welcoming some URY alumni back to take over the airwaves for one last time on Sunday 25th June. To mark this momentous occasion, current students are working together to broadcast continuously for 135.0 hours.” 

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