OLDHAM-BASED radio station Revolution 96.2 is extending its official coverage area to include more boroughs of Greater Manchester, amid a UK radio industry shake-up.
The station’s owner, Oldham-based Credible Media, which also owns the Oldham Chronicle website and local magazines including Oldham Business Edge, has engaged with broadcast regulator Ofcom to approve the plans, which will include a marketing campaign.
Currently, the station covers Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside. But the opportunity to extend broadcasting has arisen as larger commercial radio station networks become increasingly centralised.
Managing Director Matt Ramsbottom said: “Our FM signal is one of the strongest in the area. We broadcast from the region’s highest borough from the top of a 15-storey building in Oldham. Our FM coverage is crystal-clear across the whole of Greater Manchester.
“Our base remains in Oldham and we remain absolutely committed to Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside audiences, advertisers and content, including local news and traffic news. However, we have been broadcasting on a DAB digital radio trial from Manchester city centre for almost three years and we’re looking forward to permanent coverage.”
Credible Media is in discussions with other radio professionals and investors to create a board of directors.
Content Director Kevin Bailey added: “The big corporates are developing national brands and programme consolidation. Credible Media has a passion for local radio and is proud to be a local media company living, working and playing in Oldham and Greater Manchester. We’re eager to reflect the character and spirit of our area on commercial radio.”
Suzanne Wright, business development manager at Pearson Solicitors & Financial Advisers, said the broadcasting extension offers wider opportunities for Credible Media advertisers.
She said: “Pearson offers a comprehensive range of services including family, home and personal law, corporate and commercial law, and financial services and advice. We reach a variety of audiences by advertising across a range of Credible Media radio, digital and print media. As a growing business with 75 staff and thousands of clients, it will be great for Pearson to be able to increase our coverage through Revolution’s radio expansion.”
Pictured: Matt Ramsbottom of Credible Media and Suzanne Wright of Pearson Solicitors & Financial Advisers at Revolution 96.2