29 May 2003

Sky Radio to buy Radio 10 FM? There has been an interesting development today in the fallout from Monday's announcement about the new Dutch commercial radio licences. NOS news is reporting that Sky Radio, who secured the licence for an oldies station at Radio 10's expense, is now in talks about buying Radio 10 from current owner Jon de Mol. This would make perfect sense. Jon de Mol is a shrewd businessman - the success of Endemol proves that - and must now be looking to rid himself of a station that could become a liability when consigned to cable-only. The existing format of Radio 10 FM is very similar to the one planned by Sky. It has established brand recognition, some of the most well-known personalities in Dutch broadcasting, decent audience figures, and a portfolio of regular advertisers. If Sky Radio takes over Radio 10 FM, I would expect them to make a few changes, but probably retain the name and many of the existing staff. Why build up a new station from scratch if you have the chance to do it the easy way? Watch this space. 3:05:42 PM     comment on this entry []

All change on 1008 kHz The Dutch public network Radio 1 is no longer broadcasting on 1008 kHz from Flevo. The transmitter is now carrying a looped announcement telling people to re-tune to FM. For the oldies amongst us, the voice belongs to Hans Hoogendoorn, now with Radio Netherlands, but well remembered from his days on the Dutch service of Radio Northsea International. Hans has one of the best radio voices I've heard anywhere. For those who haven't been following developments closely, 1008 kHz will become a commercial radio frequency. Currently it, and 747 kHz, are radiated from Flevo with 160 kW using the two masts in a directional pattern towards the south east. The new commercial operator on 1008 kHz, Radlon, plans to use the full power of 400 kW and only one mast will be used, producing a much stronger signal into the UK. The transmissions of public network Radio 747 will be moved back to Lopik. I do not have any details of power/antenna, but in the "old days" it used 120 kW from that site. 10:53:59 AM     comment on this entry []

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