96.3 Radio Aire

From Media UK's The Knowledge. Last update: 21:10, 24 Dec 2006 by James Cridland. Based on work by Ray Stroud, Ricki Lee, Joff Hopkins, DavidHemsley and Graeme Mullins.

(Redirected from Aire FM)

Radio Aire is the commercial radio station for Leeds.

Presenters have included Peter Levy, James Whale, John Hammond, Ross Dickinson, Paul Stead, Chris Moyles, Ray Stroud, Simon Hirst and Peter Tait.

Former programme controllers have included Christa Ackroyd and Paul Fairburn.

It has undergone a number of small name changes, from Aire FM and back to Radio Aire again. Its medium-wave frequencies are now occupied by Magic 828. The station is owned by Emap.

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Jingles

Radio Aire's first jingle package was produced by Crocodile Music - a company still in existence but no longer making radio jingles. In 1984 the station introduced a package specific to that year "news and music and more in 84" made by Dave Riley. This package didn't go down too well, and was replaced in 1985 by the original 1981 Crocodile package until Muff Murfin's rock package was introduced in 1987.

The 1987 jingle package was, according to legend, carted up complete with the in-cues. One of the jingles, promoting the fact that Radio Aire was available in stereo, sang "Left, Right and Centre" in appropriate channels. Apparently, wiring problems actually ensured that the word 'left' emanated from the right-hand speaker more often than not.

2006 sees Radio Aire use Wise Buddah for jingles

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Trivia

Radio Aire occupied the first purpose-built radio station building, next to Yorkshire Television's studios in Kirkstall Road, Leeds.
Some Radio Aire mugs were produced with the wrong FM frequency printed on them.
One presenter, taken ill during an overnight programme, managed to vomit over the mixing desk: taking the station off-air and, apparently, nearly ruining the desk.
Which presenter was told to check outside for neuclear fallout and was convinced to wear a hard hat for safety?

Categories: Radio Stations