Harrogate Hospital Radio will begin broadcasting on FM next week after a three-year fight for its’ licence.

It will be launching on 95.3FM at 9:53am next Wednesday, September 1.

The station has been broadcasting since 1977 but will now move to FM radio to allow greater access for patients and staff.

The station will be heard from around a 2km radius surrounding the hospital. It will also continue to be available online and through the station’s app.

The transmitter will be switched on by Andrew Jones MP who gave his support during the battle for an FM licence.

The rest of the day will be hosted by the radio’s chairman Mark Oldfield, alongside guest presenters.

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After being rejected for an FM licence twice, Mark set up a petition online which gained over 500 signatures and the attention of MP Andrew Jones.

Mark said;

“Support from Andrew Jones and those signing the petition helped us immensely; we can continue to run a station for patients, families and hospital staff.”

The licence approval makes it one of the first hospital radio stations in the country to be broadcast on FM.