HG1 Radio is to cease broadcasting this week due to commercial difficulties, it was announced today.
The digital station, which is available online and through smart devices, began operating in July last year.
But its future appeared uncertain when parent company Y01 Enterprises announced last month it was under review after sister station West Yorkshire Radio closed.
Station manager Dave Parker said HG1 Radio will come off air at the end of Thursday. He added:
“Very recently there have been a number of managerial changes at the parent company and we have taken the time to very carefully evaluate the current situation and, although HG1 has had a steady and loyal audience base, things simply don’t stack up on a business level.
“No jobs have been impacted by the closure.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to our presentation team and, most importantly, to our listeners over the last ten months or so.”
HG1 Radio plays music from the 1960s until the present days and provides news and competitions.
Its closure is another blow to Harrogate district local radio.
Last year Stray FM rebranded as Greatest Hits Radio.
Besides Stray FM, Harrogate is served by the digital stations Harrogate Community Radio, Your Harrogate and Harrogate Hospital Radio.
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Harrogate radio station finds new home
A radio station in Harrogate has found a new home thanks to a partnership with a local business.
HG1 Radio has set up a studio in Doors Direct’s showroom on Claro Road, ready to welcome its team when covid restrictions allow.
Once the studios have been fully commissioned and tested, the presenters will be able to host their shows ‘live’ from the new base. Managing director Dave Parker said:
“As soon as we are able to do so, we will be operating very much on an ‘open house’ basis for other local businesses and community groups to pay us a visit to see how everything works and to meet the team behind the station.
“It is frustrating that we can’t hold a launch event open day at the moment – but rest-assured the invites will be going out just as soon as it is safe and sensible to do so.”
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HG1 Radio has been on the air since July 2020, with its presenters currently working from home studios. It broadcasts online and via apps and media players, but is hoping to move onto DAB in the future.
Doors Direct, meanwhile, has been based on Claro Road for 21 of its 40 years in business. Owner Sean Clarke said he was looking forward to allowing customers to see the new studio, which includes some of the company’s products in its construction. He added:
“It is really exciting to have a radio station based within our business. It adds a whole new dimension to everything – and I’m looking forward to being able to show it off to customers and other businesses.”