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Sept 2020

Last Updated: 02/09/2020

Harrogate

How local is Stray FM's replacement station?

by Connor Creaghan

| 03 Sept, 2020

Instead of Stray FM, those tuned into the frequency will find a different experience. Most of the schedule is filled with music from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

Paul Gambaccini is one of the Greatest Hits presenters.

Loyal listeners of Stray FM have been asking an important question this week - just how local can Greatest Hits Radio be if it covers the nation?

The Stray FM brand has been wiped off the internet. The station no longer has its local presenters. There is one regional drive time show each day.

Instead of Stray FM, those tuned into the frequency will find a different experience. Most of the schedule is filled with music from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. On the hour there is a mixture of local and national news stories. The Harrogate and Yorkshire Dales version of Greatest Hits Radio featured Harrogate-only advertising when we tuned in today.

In July Dee Ford, group director of Bauer Radio, said:

“Our plan at this stage is to deliver local news much as it is currently delivered by Stray FM.

In fact, we expect access to the size and scope of the wider Bauer news team will enable the local team to better cover major local stories and issues.

Stray FM broadcasts its final shows before national take-over

Harrogate MP gives ‘cautious welcome’ to Stray FM assurances

Ripon councillor criticises Dawn French following Stray FM’s demise

David Dunning, a local radio expert currently based at the York Mix, told the Stray Ferret that the regulator is to blame:

"This is clearly not the same station as Stray FM. When you take away the local station you take away the presenters who have a real connection with the community. I do not think that it is right to blame Bauer Media for this. Ofcom are to blame for allowing this through."

It has been a controversial move for fans of Stray FM who have seen those behind Stray FM leave the radio station.

Sarah Berry, Stray FM's managing director, is the latest to leave. She had been at the station since it launched in 1994 and said:

"I'd like to thank each and every single person who has connected with us over the years, I include all our stakeholders from listeners, charities, emergency and public services, suppliers and advertisers. I am incredibly proud to have been part of Stray FM and I wish everyone well for the next chapter."

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How local is Stray FM's replacement station?

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