BOB fm (Hertfordshire)

Last updated

BOB fm
BOB fm Hertfordshire & Homecounties logo 2014.jpg
Broadcast area Knebworth, Hertford, Ware, Hatfield, Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City & Watton-at-Stone
Programming
Format Adult Hits, Top 40, Pop Music
Ownership
Owner
History
First air date
3 March 2001 (as HertBeat FM)
Last air date
31 May 2019 (as BOB fm)
Former frequencies
106.7 MHz, 106.9 MHz
RDS: BOB_fm

BOB fm was an Independent Local Radio station broadcasting to north Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom. Programming originated from studios at the Old Pump House in Knebworth Park. Launched as Hertbeat FM in 2001, it was subsumed into Heart Hertfordshire on 31 May 2019 shortly after acquisition by media group Communicorp.

Contents

History

Early Years: Radio Hertford and Hertbeat FM

In October 1998, following seven years of lobbying of the Radio Authority Radio Hertford was granted a Restricted Service Licence to broadcast for a two-week period to Hertford and surrounding areas. [1]

The Radio Authority then invited applications to apply for a long-term Hertford licence. The Radio Hertford consortium submitted a bid to broadcast as Hertbeat FM [2] competing with a rival entrant, Stag FM, backed by The Daily Mail Radio Group. [3] Citing Radio Hertford's lobbying of the Radio Authority, trial broadcast and emphasis on local content, the HertBeat FM bid was awarded a licence in February 2000. The station proposed "an imaginative, music-led service, targeted at discerning 25 to 54-year olds, with intelligent speech that emphasises local news and information." [4] [5] [6]


The Old Pump House at Knebworth Park was converted into radio studios and production offices. [7] Broadcasting commenced on 3 March 2001 with the inaugural show presented by Robbie Owen, founder and a director of the company, his shows continued throughout the life of the station and on for a period under the new management along with Steve Folland, also amongst the original lineup who continued presenting at the station until November 2013. Other programmes included The Ultimate 80's which was presented by Nigel Cayne. The Hertbeat FM slogan was "Broadcasting to Hatfield, Hertford, Stevenage, Ware and Welwyn Garden City this is 1067 &9 Hertbeat FM".

July 2005 saw Hertbeat FM owner Radio Hertford (Commercial) acquired by Shadow Radio Holdings, led by Brett Harley, resulting in a change of directors. [8]

The station continued offering locally oriented content, music and request shows using a roster of presenters through the day and night.

Jack FM

On 10 May 2010 HertBeat abruptly rebranded as Jack FM – at that time the third Jack FM licensee operating in the UK. [9] [10] [11] Amongst the reasons for terminating HertBeat was confusion with encroaching rival network Heart.

The Jack format was mostly automated, initially only "Jack's Breakfast" with Steve Folland surviving as a presenter-led show but later complemented with a Saturday "Interactive Brunch" topical news show presented by newsreader Chris Hubbard and a Sunday "All Eighties" music show with Brett Harley. The rest of the schedule included music, snippets from "Jack's Breakfast", news and other local content.

In common with the other UK Jack stations many links between segments were provided by the acerbic Voice of Jack, Paul Darrow, recorded at Jack FM Oxfordshire, often tailored for the local audience. [12] [13] [14] Unlike HertBeat, Jack FM rejected listener's requests, a stance reinforced by the brand slogan, "Playing what we want".

In November 2013, as the Jack FM period drew to a close Steve Folland departed the station, replaced by industry veteran Graham Mack.

BOB fm

The station's preparations to broadcast using DAB in addition to FM, triggered another rebranding due to lack of exclusivity of the Jack FM moniker on the DAB multiplex and potential clashes with the growing number of stations then operating as Jack FM franchises.

From January to March 2014 listeners were encouraged to suggest new names for the station. Unlike the sudden transformation to Jack FM, the plan to rename the station was trailed extensively.

The rebranding was announced on 10 March 2014. The final song played by the station as Jack FM Hertfordshire was "Things Can Only Get Better" by D:Ream, airing shortly before 0800.

At 0808 the station was transformed into BOB fm. The inaugural song was "Hit the Road Jack" by Ray Charles.

The station emulated Jack FM's automated format, with links and catchphrase "Turn your knob to BOB", provided by Voice of BOB, Jim McCabe. [15]

There was no connection to other broadcasters operating as Bob FM outside the United Kingdom. [16]

BOB fm's DAB service ceased in August 2018. [17]

Incorporation into Heart Hertfordshire

In April 2019 Shadow Radio Holdings was purchased by Communicorp. [18] [19]

Earlier in the year Communicorp had acquired Watford-based Heart Hertfordshire, which broadcasts in south Hertfordshire, from Adventure Radio. [20] The takeover of BOB fm allowed Heart Hertfordshire to extend its reach throughout the county. [21] A transition began in May with Heart-style jingles, slogans and music interspersed amongst its output. Frequent trailers proclaimed "Heart is coming."

On 31 May 2019 the final live presented show, "BOB's Breakfast" with Brett Harley and Chris Hubbard ended with "Are You with Me" by Lost Frequencies. BOB fm ceased broadcasting at 4pm, handing over to Heart Hertfordshire for the station's drivetime show from Watford. The closure of BOB fm coincided with programming changes across the wider Heart radio network. [22] [23] The station still retains local news, traffic updates and advertising - with Chris Hubbard continuing to head up the station's Breakfast News.

Ofcom complaints

Awards

Graham Mack won "Best Radio Personality" Finalist at the New York Festivals International Radio Awards in 2017. BOB fm developed a reputation for the quality of its local news, under the leadership of News Editor Chris Hubbard. Chris Hubbard won "Newsreader of the Year" at the Independent Radio News (IRN) Awards, having previously been twice shortlisted. [31] [32] The IRN also awarded the accolade of "News Team of the Year" to the station in 2013 and 2016. [33] [34] Its journalists and reports have also been shortlisted for or won several honours. [35]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Capital South Wales</span> Radio station in Cardiff

Capital South Wales is a regional radio station owned by Communicorp UK and operated by Global as part of the Capital network. It broadcasts to Cardiff and Newport and the surrounding areas from studios in Cardiff Bay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heart Hertfordshire</span> Radio station in Watford

Heart Hertfordshire is a local radio station owned by Communicorp UK and operated by Global as part of the Heart network. It broadcasts across Hertfordshire from studios in Watford.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Connect Radio 97.2 & 107.4</span> Former English commercial radio station

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smooth North West</span> Radio station in Manchester

Smooth North West is a regional radio station owned by Communicorp UK and operated by Global as part of the Smooth network. The station broadcasts to the North West of England from studios at Spinningfields in Manchester.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heart Yorkshire</span> Radio station in Leeds

Heart Yorkshire is a regional radio station owned by Communicorp UK and operated by Global as part of the Heart network. It broadcasts to South and West Yorkshire from studios in Leeds.

A UK Restricted Service Licence, is typically granted to radio stations and television stations broadcasting within the UK to serve a local community or a special event. Licences are granted by the broadcasting authority Ofcom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heart South Wales</span> Radio station in Cardiff

Heart South Wales is an regional radio station that broadcasts to South and West Wales from studios in Cardiff Bay. The station is owned and operated by Global Radio and forms part of the expanded Heart radio network of stations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heart (radio network)</span> British radio network

Heart is a British radio network and brand of 13 adult contemporary local stations operated by Global throughout the United Kingdom, broadcasting a mix of local and networked programming. Ten of the Heart stations are owned by Global, while the other three are operated under franchise agreements. The national version of the network is widely available on Global Player, Freeview, Sky, Freesat, Virgin Media and Digital One DAB.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nation Radio Scotland</span> Radio station in Renfrewshire and Glasgow, Scotland

Nation Radio Scotland is a Scottish independent local radio station for Renfrewshire, Glasgow and West Central Scotland, owned by Nation Broadcasting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bauer Media Audio Ireland</span> Irish media holding company

Bauer Media Audio Ireland is a media holding company based in Ireland, owned by Bauer Media Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Global Media & Entertainment</span> British media company

Global Media & Entertainment Limited, trading as Global, is a British media company formed in 2007. It is the owner of the largest commercial radio company in Europe having expanded through a number of historical acquisitions, including Chrysalis Radio, GCap Media and GMG Radio. Global owns and operates seven core radio brands, all employing a national network strategy, including Capital, Heart, Classic FM, and LBC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smooth North East</span> Radio station in Nunthorpe

Smooth North East is a regional radio station owned by Communicorp and operated by Global as part of the Smooth network. It broadcasts to North East England from studios in Newcastle upon Tyne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Capital Scotland</span> Radio station in Glasgow

Capital Scotland is a regional radio station owned by Communicorp UK and operated by Global. It broadcasts to Scotland's Central Belt, an area surrounding the two cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heart North and Mid Wales</span> Welsh radio station

Heart North and Mid Wales is a regional radio station owned by Communicorp UK and operated by Global Radio as part of the Heart network. It broadcasts to North and Mid Wales from studios in Gwersyllt, near Wrexham.

Capital is a network of twelve independent contemporary hit radio stations in the United Kingdom, broadcasting a mix of local and networked programming. Ten of the stations are owned and operated by Global Media & Entertainment, while the other two are owned and operated under separate franchise agreements.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">XS Manchester</span> Radio station in Manchester

XS Manchester is an Independent Local Radio station serving Greater Manchester, broadcasting a mix of indie and alternative rock music, speech and news output. The station is owned and operated by Communicorp UK and broadcasts from studios at Spinningfields in Manchester. It is Communicorp UK's only station that does not broadcast a programme service supplied by Global.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smooth Radio (2014)</span> Radio station in London

Smooth Radio is a network of local radio stations broadcasting on FM and MW in the United Kingdom. Smooth Radio features a Soft Adult Contemporary radio format. Launched in March 2014, it replaced the national Smooth Radio that had launched in 2010 on FM, and most outlets of Gold on MW.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heart Scotland</span> Regional radio station in Scotland

Heart Scotland is a regional radio station owned and operated by Global Radio as part of the Heart network. The station relaunched as Heart on 6 May 2014, serving Central and Southern Scotland from studios in Glasgow city centre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Capital Midlands</span> UK regional radio station

Capital Midlands is a regional radio station owned and operated by Global as part of the Capital network. It broadcasts to Birmingham, parts of the Black Country and the East Midlands from studios at Brindleyplace in Birmingham City Centre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heart East</span> Regional radio station in Milton Keynes, England

Heart East is a regional radio station owned and operated by Global as part of the Heart network. It broadcasts to the East of England from studios in Milton Keynes.

References

  1. ↑ "Local Radio: Licence Awarded to HertBeat". Hertford.net. 11 March 2000. Archived from the original on 28 August 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  2. ↑ "Millionaire Backs Hertbeat". Hertford.net. 19 June 1999. Archived from the original on 28 August 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  3. ↑ "Stag FM Launches Rival Bid". Hertford.net. 12 June 1999. Archived from the original on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  4. ↑ "Radio Authority Publishes Assessment of Hertford Licence Award". Radio Authority. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  5. ↑ "Radio Authority Awards New Local Licence for Hertford to HertBeat FM". Radio Authority. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  6. ↑ "Celebrating The Result!". HertBeat. Archived from the original on 17 February 2001. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  7. ↑ "Local Radio: Building Starts". Hertford.net. 18 July 2000. Archived from the original on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  8. ↑ "New Owner for HertBeat FM". Radio Today. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  9. ↑ "Goodbye Hertbeat... hello Jack FM!". Welwyn Hatfield Times. 10 May 2010. Retrieved 16 March 2014.
  10. ↑ "Jack FM Launches in Hertfordshire". Jack FM/SparkNet Communications. Archived from the original on 16 March 2014. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  11. ↑ "hertbeat stops as JACK spreads". Radio Today. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  12. ↑ "The Radio Today Programme March 5th 2014". Radio Today. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  13. ↑ "Is JACK fm the future of radio?". Radio Today. Retrieved 15 March 2014.
  14. ↑ "Paul Darrow obituary". The Guardian. 6 June 2019.
  15. ↑ "Voice of Bob fm, Jim McCabe". Voice of Jim. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  16. ↑ "JACK fm Hertfordshire rebrands as BOB fm" . Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  17. ↑ @WohnortDAB (24 August 2018). "On the local ensemble Herts Beds Bucks, the service BOB HomeCounties has ceased. Snapshot updated" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  18. ↑ "Radio Hertford (Commercial) Limited". Companies House. Retrieved 9 April 2019.
  19. ↑ "Shadow Radio Holdings Limited". Companies House. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  20. ↑ "Connect FM and Heart Herts sold by Adventure Radio". Radio Today. 7 February 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  21. ↑ "Communicorp buys Bob FM to rebrand as Heart". Radio Today. 4 April 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  22. ↑ "Heart presenters start saying goodbye to listeners". Radio Today. 19 May 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  23. ↑ "Heart drivetime show presenters announced by Global". 20 May 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  24. ↑ "Hertbeat ads breach Ofcom rules". Radio Today. 7 August 2006. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  25. ↑ "English local radio station tries – and fails – to get away Scot free". The Guardian. 18 September 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  26. ↑ "BOB fm bans all Scots, calls them Tossers". Radio Today. 10 September 2014. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  27. ↑ "Ofcom Broadcast Bulletin" (PDF). No. 264. Ofcom. 20 October 2014. p. 52. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  28. ↑ "Ofcom Broadcast and on Demand Bulletin" (PDF). No. 360. Ofcom. 28 August 2018. p. 28. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  29. ↑ "Bob FM in breach for aggressive speed camera rant". Radio Today. 28 August 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  30. ↑ "Graham Mack goes from Bob FM to Fix Radio" . Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  31. ↑ "Winners 2016". IRN News Awards. Retrieved 7 April 2019.
  32. ↑ "Winners 2015". IRN News Awards. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  33. ↑ "2016 Winners". IRN News Awards. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  34. ↑ "2013 Winners". IRN News Awards. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
  35. ↑ "Meet the News Team". BOB fm. Retrieved 6 April 2019.

51°52′20″N0°12′41″W / 51.8722°N 0.2113°W / 51.8722; -0.2113

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.