Capital Radio
Encyclopedia
Capital London is a London
based radio station
which launched on 16 October 1973 and is owned by Global Radio
. On 3 January 2011 it formed part of the nine station Capital radio network.
boom, the Conservative Party
, under Edward Heath
promised in its 1970 General Election
Manifesto
that should it win, it would introduce local commercial radio in addition to the commercial television which had started in 1955. This was a result of much lobbying from a particular pressure group, the Local Radio Association, who felt that commercial radio should be introduced following the launch of Associated Rediffusion and ITV
. The Tories won and swiftly introduced the Sound Broadcasting Act 1972 which allowed for the introduction of Independent Local Radio and the newly-renamed Independent Broadcasting Authority
from the Independent Television Authority.
The Independent Broadcasting Authority advertised local radio licences in certain locations in the United Kingdom under the umbrella term of Independent Local Radio
. London was due to receive two ILR licences: one for news and another for general entertainment. Capital Radio
, a consortium of the "great and good", backed by dentist Barclay Barclay-White and chairman Richard Attenborough
was one of fifty applications. Other applications came from a consortium headed by Opportunity Knocks television presenter Hughie Green
, who had openly voiced the need for commercial broadcasting, having previously worked for Radio Luxembourg
.
The IBA awarded Capital Radio the "London General Entertainment" service, while "London News" was awarded to the London Broadcasting Company, LBC
.
IBA transmission tests commenced in January 1973 and Capital Radio went on air on 16 October 1973, ten days after LBC, using the following FM and AM frequencies: 95.8 MHz FM from the Croydon transmitter station and 557 kHz (539 m) MW from London Transport
's Lots Road Power Station
, Chelsea. The medium wave frequency and location were temporary sites as the then new high-powered medium wave station at Saffron Green
, Barnet was incomplete.
", then a message from director Richard Attenborough "...This, for the very first time, is Capital Radio" followed by the Capital Radio theme jingle, made by Blue Mink
:
Simon and Garfunkel
's song, "Bridge over Troubled Water
" followed the jingle. The first radio commercial came from Bird's Eye fish fingers, which incidentally was also the first ever legal radio commercial on LBC.
Capital's programming remit, as with all ILR stations at the time, was to appeal to the broadest range of people as possible, which included specialist music programmes, radio plays, classical music, community features and news documentaries. Capital's breakfast show was hosted by popular television entertainer Kenny Everett
and disc jockey Dave Cash
.
Immediately after going on air, Capital Radio suffered co-channel interference
from Radio Veronica
, a pirate radio station off the coast of the Netherlands
. Veronica began broadcasting in the 1960s and it was suggested that the allocation of 539 metres to ILR may have been an attempt to block reception of overseas broadcasts — a battle which preceded the launch of BBC Radio 1
. Capital finally moved into office blocks in Euston Tower
in November 1973, just a few yards away from Thames Television
headquarters. Euston Tower
was, at the time, London's tallest office tower.
In 1975, the IBA finally opened the transmission facilities at Saffron Green which allowed both LBC and Capital Radio to move up the dial. Capital moved to 1548 kHz mediumwave
(194 m) and LBC to 1152 kHz (261 m). Saffron Green needed to be highly configured as it was sharing the same frequency as other ILR stations and needed to prevent co-channel interference from new ILR stations in Birmingham
and Manchester
. Previously the Lots Road site gained Capital and LBC the semi-humorous nickname of "Radio Clothesline", however both stations could be heard as far away as the Midlands. FM reception remained unaltered.
meant that revenues at Capital Radio suffered. Throughout the 1970s Capital reduced its broadcasting hours and cut its staff, including many journalists – a move which angered the NUJ. Richard Attenborough intimated in the 1990s in a 'Capital Facts' sheet that the station almost contemplated closing down:
Capital saw off the recession and continued broadcasting, eventually increasing its hours. The so-called 'needle-time' restrictions on playing music had been lifted, which meant it could play more music during the day as well as in the evenings where the eight hours were concentrated.
, London Weekend Television
and British Telecom which helped listeners through matters ranging from how to cook a turkey at Christmas time, to suicide intervention. The station has also lent its support to London based orchestras, choral societies, the British Film Institute
Children's Film Festival and many other ventures.
1976 saw the launch of the Flying Eye, a traffic spotting light aircraft, which could see traffic congestion below on the streets of Central London. LBC also had a similar service but was forced to suspend operations due to cost. Capital's aircraft was originally a Piper Seneca model, and, later, a twin-engined Cirumma Cougar.
were well received by listeners. Charlie Gillett
had his world music programme, The World Of Difference, on Sunday evenings. Several of Capital's early presenters had moved on, to be replaced by newer disc jockeys, some of which had experience presenting on Radio Luxembourg.
A brand new breakfast show started in 1987 and featured Chris Tarrant
who arrived from popular television programme Tiswas
. Chris initially arrived at Capital presenting the weekday lunchtime show before being promoted. Joined by the then unknown Kara Noble, the partnership proved very popular and the Breakfast Show eventually became one of the most listened to radio programmes on British radio. Many industry commentators consider the station's output in the 1980s represented Capital Radio at its broadcasting peak.
, which is also home to Capital's parent company, Global Radio. The studio complex is shared with many other stations, including XFM London
, Classic FM
, Heart London & LBC
The station launched its website in September 1996 resulting in high demand which led to it crashing within a few hours.
Beginning in late 2005, the station went through a number of changes. In December 2005, a new policy of two advertisements in each break to win favour with listeners, though there were more frequent breaks as a result. This policy was changed within a few months.
On 9 January 2006, the station was relaunched under its original name Capital Radio, with a modified line-up of presenters and a slightly tweaked music format. After this re-launch turned out not to have had the desired success, a new Programme Controller was appointed in September 2006. Scott Muller came from the Nova
group in Australia, and the station saw another tweak in style.
The changes continued seeing Capital re-branded back to "London's Hit Music Station", a play on the station's earlier brand of "London's Number One Hit Music Station" with noticeable improvements – leading to a rise in audience figures at the end of 2006. The station also changed its on air name to 95.8 Capital Radio, incorporating the frequency of "95.8" back into the station since it was dropped at the January 2006 re-launch.
In March 2007, the station was then renamed Capital 95.8 and its slogan became "The Sound of London". The marketing campaign combined outdoor, cinema, and print adverts.
RAJAR
figures for Q2 2007 showed Capital 95.8 slipping to fourth place in the London local radio market ratings, recording the lowest-ever share of the London audience and for the first time falling behind Emap
-owned station Magic
and Heart, now owned by Global Radio. Capital 95.8's audience share slipped from 4.6 to 4.1 per cent over the quarter.
The station then returned to the 'London's Hit Music Network' tagline on 10 December 2007, with ex-Absolute Radio presenter Greg Burns replacing Lucio on drivetime, and Lucio moving to the evening show. Lucio took over from Bam Bam (Peter Poulton) who left Capital in early December 2007. On 6 June 2008, Global Radio completed its £375 million takeover of Capital's parent company GCap Media
.
owned Hit Music
and Galaxy
networks. Weekday breakfast and drivetime plus weekend mornings are localised with other output networked from the 95.8 Capital studios in London.
Capital London localised presenters are responsible for playlisting music which is syndicated across the nine station Capital radio network, during Capital Breakfast, weekday drivetime and weekend mornings.
On 12 May 2011 it was announced 95.8 Capital remained the most listened to commercial radio station in London, on both share and reach, beating rival Magic 105.4
. However, on 4 August 2011 it was announced rival Magic 105.4 had overtaken the position.
left the station on 18 November 2011, his co-presenter Lisa Snowdon
remains, with Vaughan replaced temporarily by weekday drivetime presenter Greg Burns. On 1 December 2011 it was annouced Dave Berry
would replace Vaughan.
The Capital London schedule from 21 November–December 2011:
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
based radio station
Radio station
Radio broadcasting is a one-way wireless transmission over radio waves intended to reach a wide audience. Stations can be linked in radio networks to broadcast a common radio format, either in broadcast syndication or simulcast or both...
which launched on 16 October 1973 and is owned by Global Radio
Global Radio
Global Radio UK Ltd. is a British commercial radio company, the largest in the country following acquisitions of Chrysalis Radio and GCap Media.The company's Chief Executive Officer is Stephen Miron, while the Group Chairman is Charles Allen...
. On 3 January 2011 it formed part of the nine station Capital radio network.
Pre-launch
Following the 1964–68 offshore radioOffshore radio
Offshore radio is radio broadcasting from ships or fixed maritime structures, usually in international waters. The claimed first wireless broadcast of music and speech for the purpose of entertainment was transmitted from a Royal Naval craft, the HMS Andromeda, in 1907...
boom, the Conservative Party
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
, under Edward Heath
Edward Heath
Sir Edward Richard George "Ted" Heath, KG, MBE, PC was a British Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and as Leader of the Conservative Party ....
promised in its 1970 General Election
General election
In a parliamentary political system, a general election is an election in which all or most members of a given political body are chosen. The term is usually used to refer to elections held for a nation's primary legislative body, as distinguished from by-elections and local elections.The term...
Manifesto
Manifesto
A manifesto is a public declaration of principles and intentions, often political in nature. Manifestos relating to religious belief are generally referred to as creeds. Manifestos may also be life stance-related.-Etymology:...
that should it win, it would introduce local commercial radio in addition to the commercial television which had started in 1955. This was a result of much lobbying from a particular pressure group, the Local Radio Association, who felt that commercial radio should be introduced following the launch of Associated Rediffusion and ITV
ITV
ITV is the major commercial public service TV network in the United Kingdom. Launched in 1955 under the auspices of the Independent Television Authority to provide competition to the BBC, it is also the oldest commercial network in the UK...
. The Tories won and swiftly introduced the Sound Broadcasting Act 1972 which allowed for the introduction of Independent Local Radio and the newly-renamed Independent Broadcasting Authority
Independent Broadcasting Authority
The Independent Broadcasting Authority was the regulatory body in the United Kingdom for commercial television - and commercial/independent radio broadcasts...
from the Independent Television Authority.
The Independent Broadcasting Authority advertised local radio licences in certain locations in the United Kingdom under the umbrella term of Independent Local Radio
Independent Local Radio
Independent Local Radio is the collective name given to commercial radio stations in the United Kingdom. The same name is used for Independent Local Radio in Ireland.-Development of ILR:...
. London was due to receive two ILR licences: one for news and another for general entertainment. Capital Radio
Capital Radio
Capital London is a London based radio station which launched on 16 October 1973 and is owned by Global Radio. On 3 January 2011 it formed part of the nine station Capital radio network.- Pre-launch :...
, a consortium of the "great and good", backed by dentist Barclay Barclay-White and chairman Richard Attenborough
Richard Attenborough
Richard Samuel Attenborough, Baron Attenborough , CBE is a British actor, director, producer and entrepreneur. As director and producer he won two Academy Awards for the 1982 film Gandhi...
was one of fifty applications. Other applications came from a consortium headed by Opportunity Knocks television presenter Hughie Green
Hughie Green
Hughie Green was the host of numerous British television shows.-Early life:Hugh H. Green was born in London; his Scottish father was a former British Army Major who made his fortune supplying tinned fish to the Allied forces in World War I, while his mother Violet was the Surrey-born daughter of...
, who had openly voiced the need for commercial broadcasting, having previously worked for Radio Luxembourg
Radio Luxembourg (English)
Radio Luxembourg is a commercial broadcaster in many languages from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It is nowadays known in most non-English languages as RTL ....
.
The IBA awarded Capital Radio the "London General Entertainment" service, while "London News" was awarded to the London Broadcasting Company, LBC
LBC 97.3
LBC 97.3 is a London-based talk and phone-in radio station. It is one half of the latest incarnation of LBC, the news and speech service which was Britain's first commercial radio station when it went on air in October 1973...
.
IBA transmission tests commenced in January 1973 and Capital Radio went on air on 16 October 1973, ten days after LBC, using the following FM and AM frequencies: 95.8 MHz FM from the Croydon transmitter station and 557 kHz (539 m) MW from London Transport
London Transport
London Transport could refer to:*London Transport Transport authorities that operated services under the brand:*London Passenger Transport Board *London Transport Executive *London Transport Board...
's Lots Road Power Station
Lots Road Power Station
Lots Road Power Station is a disused coal and later oil-fired power station on the River Thames at Lots Road in Chelsea, London in the south-west of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which supplied electricity to the London Underground system...
, Chelsea. The medium wave frequency and location were temporary sites as the then new high-powered medium wave station at Saffron Green
Saffron Green Meadows
Saffron Green Meadows or Saffron Green Pasture is an area of public open space and farmland north of Arkley in Hertsmere, Hertfordshire, England...
, Barnet was incomplete.
Launch
Capital commenced regular transmissions with the British national anthem "God Save the QueenGod Save the Queen
"God Save the Queen" is an anthem used in a number of Commonwealth realms and British Crown Dependencies. The words of the song, like its title, are adapted to the gender of the current monarch, with "King" replacing "Queen", "he" replacing "she", and so forth, when a king reigns...
", then a message from director Richard Attenborough "...This, for the very first time, is Capital Radio" followed by the Capital Radio theme jingle, made by Blue Mink
Blue Mink
Blue Mink was a British five-piece pop group, that existed from 1969 to 1974. Over that period they had six Top 20 hit singles in the UK Singles Chart, and released five studio based albums...
:
- "Isn't it good to know,
- Capital Radio
- You can turn on your friends, you can turn on the show,
- you can turn on the world with Capital Radio
- Such a good way to make your day
- Capital sounds go round and round,
- Up and down London town
- The brightest sound in London town
- Capital Radio in tune with London (yeah)"...
Simon and Garfunkel
Simon and Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel are an American duo consisting of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel. They formed the group Tom & Jerry in 1957 and had their first success with the minor hit "Hey, Schoolgirl". As Simon & Garfunkel, the duo rose to fame in 1965, largely on the strength of the...
's song, "Bridge over Troubled Water
Bridge over Troubled Water (song)
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" is the title song of Simon & Garfunkel's album of the same name. The single was released on January 26, 1970, though it also appears on the live album Live 1969, released in 2008. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on February 28, 1970, and stayed at...
" followed the jingle. The first radio commercial came from Bird's Eye fish fingers, which incidentally was also the first ever legal radio commercial on LBC.
Capital's programming remit, as with all ILR stations at the time, was to appeal to the broadest range of people as possible, which included specialist music programmes, radio plays, classical music, community features and news documentaries. Capital's breakfast show was hosted by popular television entertainer Kenny Everett
Kenny Everett
Kenny Everett was an English comedian, radio DJ and television entertainer. Born Maurice James Christopher Cole, Everett is best known for his career as a radio DJ and for the Kenny Everett television shows.-Early life:...
and disc jockey Dave Cash
Dave Cash
Dave Cash may refer to:* Dave Cash * Dave Cash * Dave Cash , Yiddish comedian- See also :* David Cash, birth name of American wrestler performing as "Kid Kash"...
.
Immediately after going on air, Capital Radio suffered co-channel interference
Co-channel interference
Co-channel interference or CCI is crosstalk from two different radio transmitters using the same frequency. There can be several causes of co-channel radio interference; four examples are listed here....
from Radio Veronica
Radio Veronica
Radio Veronica was an offshore radio station that began broadcasting in 1960, and broadcast from offshore for over fourteen years. It was set up by independent radio, TV and household electrical retailers in the Netherlands to stimulate the sales of radio receivers by providing an alternative to...
, a pirate radio station off the coast of the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
. Veronica began broadcasting in the 1960s and it was suggested that the allocation of 539 metres to ILR may have been an attempt to block reception of overseas broadcasts — a battle which preceded the launch of BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
. Capital finally moved into office blocks in Euston Tower
Euston Tower
Euston Tower is a skyscraper located in the London Borough of Camden. It is a good example of an International style skyscraper with glass curtain walls. It is situated at the intersection of Tottenham Court Road/Hampstead Road and Euston Road. It stands across the Euston Road from Warren Street...
in November 1973, just a few yards away from Thames Television
Thames Television
Thames Television was a licensee of the British ITV television network, covering London and parts of the surrounding counties on weekdays from 30 July 1968 until 31 December 1992....
headquarters. Euston Tower
Euston Tower
Euston Tower is a skyscraper located in the London Borough of Camden. It is a good example of an International style skyscraper with glass curtain walls. It is situated at the intersection of Tottenham Court Road/Hampstead Road and Euston Road. It stands across the Euston Road from Warren Street...
was, at the time, London's tallest office tower.
In 1975, the IBA finally opened the transmission facilities at Saffron Green which allowed both LBC and Capital Radio to move up the dial. Capital moved to 1548 kHz mediumwave
Mediumwave
Medium wave is the part of the medium frequency radio band used mainly for AM radio broadcasting. For Europe the MW band ranges from 526.5 kHz to 1606.5 kHz...
(194 m) and LBC to 1152 kHz (261 m). Saffron Green needed to be highly configured as it was sharing the same frequency as other ILR stations and needed to prevent co-channel interference from new ILR stations in Birmingham
Brmb
brmb is a local radio station based in Birmingham, UK, owned and operated by Orion Media. The station broadcasts on 96.4 FM, DAB Digital Radio in the West Midlands and online...
and Manchester
Key 103
Key 103 is an Independent Local Radio station broadcasting to the city of Manchester and the north west of England. Its output is principally contemporary pop and dance music. Formerly owned by Trans World Communications, EMAP and now by Bauer Radio, Key 103 is part of Bauer's Place Network of...
. Previously the Lots Road site gained Capital and LBC the semi-humorous nickname of "Radio Clothesline", however both stations could be heard as far away as the Midlands. FM reception remained unaltered.
Capital in danger (1975–1980)
The commercial radio climate during this period was very tough. Recessions, the miners' dispute and high inflation brought on by the Three-Day WeekThree-Day Week
The Three-Day Week was one of several measures introduced in the United Kingdom by the Conservative Government 1970–1974 to conserve electricity, the production of which was severely limited due to industrial action by coal miners...
meant that revenues at Capital Radio suffered. Throughout the 1970s Capital reduced its broadcasting hours and cut its staff, including many journalists – a move which angered the NUJ. Richard Attenborough intimated in the 1990s in a 'Capital Facts' sheet that the station almost contemplated closing down:
"Although one can say it now, one couldn't at the time, there were some weeks when the viability of the whole operation was in question and we might had had to close down. We almost didn't make ends meet."
Capital saw off the recession and continued broadcasting, eventually increasing its hours. The so-called 'needle-time' restrictions on playing music had been lifted, which meant it could play more music during the day as well as in the evenings where the eight hours were concentrated.
Charities and the Flying Eye
The mid-1970s saw Capital Radio expand with the launch of the Help a London Child charity, which aimed to raise money for London's poorest children. The charity appeal went on to become one of the longest-running in broadcasting and the most recognised in British radio. In 1976, the Capital Radio Helpline launched, in conjunction with Thames TelevisionThames Television
Thames Television was a licensee of the British ITV television network, covering London and parts of the surrounding counties on weekdays from 30 July 1968 until 31 December 1992....
, London Weekend Television
London Weekend Television
London Weekend Television was the name of the ITV network franchise holder for Greater London and the Home Counties including south Suffolk, middle and east Hampshire, Oxfordshire, south Bedfordshire, south Northamptonshire, parts of Herefordshire & Worcestershire, Warwickshire, east Dorset and...
and British Telecom which helped listeners through matters ranging from how to cook a turkey at Christmas time, to suicide intervention. The station has also lent its support to London based orchestras, choral societies, the British Film Institute
British Film Institute
The British Film Institute is a charitable organisation established by Royal Charter to:-Cinemas:The BFI runs the BFI Southbank and IMAX theatre, both located on the south bank of the River Thames in London...
Children's Film Festival and many other ventures.
1976 saw the launch of the Flying Eye, a traffic spotting light aircraft, which could see traffic congestion below on the streets of Central London. LBC also had a similar service but was forced to suspend operations due to cost. Capital's aircraft was originally a Piper Seneca model, and, later, a twin-engined Cirumma Cougar.
Music Power (1980s)
A new radio jingle package from Standard Sound heralded a new, refined sound for the station. Output was concentrated on its core playlist of contemporary chart music with the specialist music rescheduled to evenings. Jazz and soul programmes at the weekends, presented by Peter YoungPeter Young
Peter Young was an Australian professional rugby league player for the Western Suburbs Magpies in the Australian New South Wales Rugby League premiership competition. Young played front row for the magpies in the number 13 jersey throughout his career.-Point scoring summary:-Matches...
were well received by listeners. Charlie Gillett
Charlie Gillett
Charlie Gillett , was a British radio presenter, musicologist and writer, mainly on rock and roll and other forms of popular music...
had his world music programme, The World Of Difference, on Sunday evenings. Several of Capital's early presenters had moved on, to be replaced by newer disc jockeys, some of which had experience presenting on Radio Luxembourg.
A brand new breakfast show started in 1987 and featured Chris Tarrant
Chris Tarrant
Christopher John "Chris" Tarrant, OBE is an English radio and television broadcaster, now best known for hosting the first version of the television game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in the United Kingdom and later Ireland, as the two national versions of the show merged in 2002.Chris...
who arrived from popular television programme Tiswas
Tiswas
Tiswas was a Saturday morning children's British television series which ran from 5 January 1974 to 3 April 1982 and was produced for the ITV network by ATV Network Limited....
. Chris initially arrived at Capital presenting the weekday lunchtime show before being promoted. Joined by the then unknown Kara Noble, the partnership proved very popular and the Breakfast Show eventually became one of the most listened to radio programmes on British radio. Many industry commentators consider the station's output in the 1980s represented Capital Radio at its broadcasting peak.
One becomes two- the frequency split (1989–1996)
As required by the 1990 Broadcasting Act the IBA and the Home Office in 1987, all ILR stations were to permanently split simulcasting output on both its FM and AM frequencies in order to create new local radio stations and improve choice. Capital responded by launching a golden oldies station, 1548 AM Capital Gold in 1 November 1988 on its AM frequency while Capital on FM became 95.8 Capital FM, a chart contemporary music station. Both stations received brand-new jingle packages from Californian jingle house Who Did That Music (later Groove Jingles) which went on to become well known and essential parts of its music programming.1997 - 2010
From 1997, the studios of 95.8 Capital FM have been based in Leicester SquareLeicester Square
Leicester Square is a pedestrianised square in the West End of London, England. The Square lies within an area bound by Lisle Street, to the north; Charing Cross Road, to the east; Orange Street, to the south; and Whitcomb Street, to the west...
, which is also home to Capital's parent company, Global Radio. The studio complex is shared with many other stations, including XFM London
Xfm London
Xfm London is a commercial radio station in the United Kingdom owned by Global Radio and broadcasts on 104.9 FM in London, on digital radio via 30 DAB multiplexes across the country, Sky, TalkTalk TV and Virgin Media....
, Classic FM
Classic FM (UK)
Classic FM, one of the United Kingdom's three Independent National Radio stations, broadcasts classical music in a popular and accessible style.-Overview:...
, Heart London & LBC
LBC
LBC Radio operates two London-based radio stations, with news and talk formats. LBC was Britain's first legal commercial Independent Local Radio station, providing a service of news and information to London. It began broadcasting on 8 October 1973, a week ahead of Capital Radio...
The station launched its website in September 1996 resulting in high demand which led to it crashing within a few hours.
Beginning in late 2005, the station went through a number of changes. In December 2005, a new policy of two advertisements in each break to win favour with listeners, though there were more frequent breaks as a result. This policy was changed within a few months.
On 9 January 2006, the station was relaunched under its original name Capital Radio, with a modified line-up of presenters and a slightly tweaked music format. After this re-launch turned out not to have had the desired success, a new Programme Controller was appointed in September 2006. Scott Muller came from the Nova
Nova (radio network)
Nova is a name given to a group of Australian radio stations. The group comprises five stations all owned by DMG Radio Australia, apart from the Perth station, which is a joint venture between DMG and the Australian Radio Network....
group in Australia, and the station saw another tweak in style.
The changes continued seeing Capital re-branded back to "London's Hit Music Station", a play on the station's earlier brand of "London's Number One Hit Music Station" with noticeable improvements – leading to a rise in audience figures at the end of 2006. The station also changed its on air name to 95.8 Capital Radio, incorporating the frequency of "95.8" back into the station since it was dropped at the January 2006 re-launch.
In March 2007, the station was then renamed Capital 95.8 and its slogan became "The Sound of London". The marketing campaign combined outdoor, cinema, and print adverts.
RAJAR
RAJAR
RAJAR was established in 1992 to operate a single audience measurement system for the radio industry in the United Kingdom. RAJAR is jointly owned by the British Broadcasting Corporation and the RadioCentre...
figures for Q2 2007 showed Capital 95.8 slipping to fourth place in the London local radio market ratings, recording the lowest-ever share of the London audience and for the first time falling behind Emap
EMAP
Emap Limited is a British media company, specialising in the production of business-to-business magazines, and the organisation of business events and conferences...
-owned station Magic
Magic 105.4 FM
Magic 105.4 FM is an adult contemporary Independent Local Radio station based in London, purchased by media group Emap in mid-1998, who subsequently rebranded the then-titled Melody 105.4 FM. It is part of the Magic radio network, now owned by Bauer Radio...
and Heart, now owned by Global Radio. Capital 95.8's audience share slipped from 4.6 to 4.1 per cent over the quarter.
The station then returned to the 'London's Hit Music Network' tagline on 10 December 2007, with ex-Absolute Radio presenter Greg Burns replacing Lucio on drivetime, and Lucio moving to the evening show. Lucio took over from Bam Bam (Peter Poulton) who left Capital in early December 2007. On 6 June 2008, Global Radio completed its £375 million takeover of Capital's parent company GCap Media
GCap Media
GCap Media was a British commercial radio company formed from the merger of the Capital Radio Group and GWR Group. The merger was completed in May 2005. It was listed on the London Stock Exchange and was a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. On 31 March 2008 the company agreed a takeover by...
.
2011-present
Capital London formed part of the nine station Capital radio network on 3 January 2011 as part of a merger of the Global RadioGlobal Radio
Global Radio UK Ltd. is a British commercial radio company, the largest in the country following acquisitions of Chrysalis Radio and GCap Media.The company's Chief Executive Officer is Stephen Miron, while the Group Chairman is Charles Allen...
owned Hit Music
The Hit Music Network
The Hit Music Network was a collection of five Independent Local Radio stations operating in the United Kingdom and owned by Global Radio. Created in September 2008, the stations were formerly owned by GCap Media prior to its takeover by Global and, with the exception of 95.8 Capital FM, were all...
and Galaxy
The Galaxy Network
The Galaxy Network was a radio station brand owned by Global Radio and broadcast across the British Isles on FM in regional areas of England and Scotland, through the digital platform with Sky and DAB and online respectively. The Galaxy Network included stations: Galaxy Birmingham, Galaxy...
networks. Weekday breakfast and drivetime plus weekend mornings are localised with other output networked from the 95.8 Capital studios in London.
Capital London localised presenters are responsible for playlisting music which is syndicated across the nine station Capital radio network, during Capital Breakfast, weekday drivetime and weekend mornings.
On 12 May 2011 it was announced 95.8 Capital remained the most listened to commercial radio station in London, on both share and reach, beating rival Magic 105.4
Magic 105.4 FM
Magic 105.4 FM is an adult contemporary Independent Local Radio station based in London, purchased by media group Emap in mid-1998, who subsequently rebranded the then-titled Melody 105.4 FM. It is part of the Magic radio network, now owned by Bauer Radio...
. However, on 4 August 2011 it was announced rival Magic 105.4 had overtaken the position.
Programming
Capital Breakfast co-presenter Johnny VaughanJohnny Vaughan
Jonathan Randall Vaughan is an English broadcaster and journalist. Vaughan has become well known as a television and radio personality and has also built a reputation as a film critic. He co-presented Capital Breakfast alongside Lisa Snowdon on 95.8 Capital FM between 2004 and 2011...
left the station on 18 November 2011, his co-presenter Lisa Snowdon
Lisa Snowdon
Lisa Snowdon is an English fashion model, television personality and presenter. She was the host of the reality television show Britain's Next Top Model from 2006 until 2009...
remains, with Vaughan replaced temporarily by weekday drivetime presenter Greg Burns. On 1 December 2011 it was annouced Dave Berry
Dave Berry (presenter)
David "Dave" Berry is a British TV and Radio presenter from Charlton, London, England. Currently working with ITV and Capital London.-Career:...
would replace Vaughan.
The Capital London schedule from 21 November–December 2011:
Monday–Friday
| Time | Main presenter(s) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 0300 – 0600 | Luke Smith | Leicester Square Leicester Square Leicester Square is a pedestrianised square in the West End of London, England. The Square lies within an area bound by Lisle Street, to the north; Charing Cross Road, to the east; Orange Street, to the south; and Whitcomb Street, to the west... , London London London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its... |
| 0600 – 1000 | Capital Breakfast: Greg Burns & Lisa Snowdon Lisa Snowdon Lisa Snowdon is an English fashion model, television personality and presenter. She was the host of the reality television show Britain's Next Top Model from 2006 until 2009... |
|
| 1000 – 1300 | Roberto/Neil Williams | |
| 1300 – 1600 | The Bassman/James Bassam | |
| 1600 – 1900 | Will Cozens Will Cozens Will Cozens is a British radio presenter and DJ currently employed by Global Radio as a presenter on The Capital FM Network.Cozens was spotted by the Bauer Radio owned Kiss 100 in 2005, after featuring on Channel 4's Soundclash, originally he presented early breakfast but was later moved to... |
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| 1900 – 2300 | Rich Clarke Richard Clarke (radio personality) Richard "Rich" Clarke is a British radio presenter and DJ from Worcester, England currently employed by Global Radio as a presenter on Capital FM and The Vodafone Big Top 40.-Student radio:... |
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| 2300 – 0300 | James Barr | |
Weekday variations
| Day | Time | Main presenter/programme | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 0300 – 0600 | Ant Payne | Leicester Square Leicester Square Leicester Square is a pedestrianised square in the West End of London, England. The Square lies within an area bound by Lisle Street, to the north; Charing Cross Road, to the east; Orange Street, to the south; and Whitcomb Street, to the west... , London London London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its... |
| Friday | 2300 – 0200 | Andi Durrant Andi Durrant Andrew "Andi" Richard Durrant is a radio presenter, DJ and music producer from the UK and one half of Riley & Durrant team.... |
Saturday
| Time | Main presenter(s) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 0200 – 0500 | Mash/Martyn Henderson | Glasgow Glasgow Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands... |
| 0500 – 0800 | Margherita Taylor Margherita Taylor Margherita Taylor is a British broadcaster, TV and radio presenter.Taylor studied media and communications at the University of Central England, majoring in video production for her degree. She found fame in 1993 when Birmingham based radio station BRMB offered her a slot as a DJ as part of a... |
Leicester Square Leicester Square Leicester Square is a pedestrianised square in the West End of London, England. The Square lies within an area bound by Lisle Street, to the north; Charing Cross Road, to the east; Orange Street, to the south; and Whitcomb Street, to the west... , London London London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its... |
| 0800 – 1200 | Dave Berry Dave Berry (presenter) David "Dave" Berry is a British TV and Radio presenter from Charlton, London, England. Currently working with ITV and Capital London.-Career:... |
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| 1200 – 1600 | The Bassman/James Bassam | |
| 1600 – 1900 | Luke Smith | |
| 1900 – 2300 | James Barr | |
| 2300 – 0200 | Andi Durrant Andi Durrant Andrew "Andi" Richard Durrant is a radio presenter, DJ and music producer from the UK and one half of Riley & Durrant team.... |
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Sunday
| Time | Main presenter(s) | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 0200 – 0500 | Sacha Brooks Sacha Brooks Sacha Brooks is a British radio presenter and DJ from Nottingham, England. She is currently employed by Global Radio.Sacha's radio career started on the pirate radio station Globe 107.7fm in Nottingham, she went on to launch Choice 102.2 in Birmingham. She relocated to Japan where she spent three... |
Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands of England. It is the most populous British city outside the capital London, with a population of 1,036,900 , and lies at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, the second most populous urban area in the United Kingdom with a... |
| 0500 – 0800 | Margherita Taylor Margherita Taylor Margherita Taylor is a British broadcaster, TV and radio presenter.Taylor studied media and communications at the University of Central England, majoring in video production for her degree. She found fame in 1993 when Birmingham based radio station BRMB offered her a slot as a DJ as part of a... |
Leicester Square Leicester Square Leicester Square is a pedestrianised square in the West End of London, England. The Square lies within an area bound by Lisle Street, to the north; Charing Cross Road, to the east; Orange Street, to the south; and Whitcomb Street, to the west... , London London London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its... |
| 0800 – 1200 | Dave Berry Dave Berry (presenter) David "Dave" Berry is a British TV and Radio presenter from Charlton, London, England. Currently working with ITV and Capital London.-Career:... |
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| 1200 – 1600 | Will Cozens Will Cozens Will Cozens is a British radio presenter and DJ currently employed by Global Radio as a presenter on The Capital FM Network.Cozens was spotted by the Bauer Radio owned Kiss 100 in 2005, after featuring on Channel 4's Soundclash, originally he presented early breakfast but was later moved to... |
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| 1600 – 1900 | The Vodafone Big Top 40: Rich Clarke Richard Clarke (radio personality) Richard "Rich" Clarke is a British radio presenter and DJ from Worcester, England currently employed by Global Radio as a presenter on Capital FM and The Vodafone Big Top 40.-Student radio:... & Kat Shoob Kat Shoob Katherine 'Kat' Shoob is a British radio presenter on The Vodafone Big Top 40.Shoob modelled for Maxim in September 2006.Shoob presented The Mint, a phone-in quiz that was shown on ITV1 and ITV2... |
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| 1900 – 2300 | Luke Smith | |
| 2300 – 0300 | James Barr | |
Capital Report news team
- Charlie Girling
- Laura Harmes (utilised with LBCLBCLBC Radio operates two London-based radio stations, with news and talk formats. LBC was Britain's first legal commercial Independent Local Radio station, providing a service of news and information to London. It began broadcasting on 8 October 1973, a week ahead of Capital Radio...
) - Kevin Hughes (Showbiz Reporter; utilised with LBC)
- Laura Penkhurst
- Clemency Norris (utilised with LBC)
- Ollie Yates (utilised with LBC)
- Dan Whitehead (utilised with LBC)
Former presenters
- Kenny EverettKenny EverettKenny Everett was an English comedian, radio DJ and television entertainer. Born Maurice James Christopher Cole, Everett is best known for his career as a radio DJ and for the Kenny Everett television shows.-Early life:...
(1974–1980) - Dave CashDave CashDave Cash may refer to:* Dave Cash * Dave Cash * Dave Cash , Yiddish comedian- See also :* David Cash, birth name of American wrestler performing as "Kid Kash"...
(1974–1980) - Michael AspelMichael AspelMichael Terence Aspel, OBE is an English television presenter, known for his reserved demeanour and rich speaking voice. He has been a high-profile TV personality in the United Kingdom since the 1960s, presenting programmes such as Crackerjack, Aspel and Company, This is Your Life, Strange But...
- Roger ScottRoger ScottRoger Scott was a British radio disc jockey. He was best known for presenting an afternoon radio show on London's Capital Radio from 1973 until 1988....
- Joan Shenton
- Tommy VanceTommy VanceTommy Vance was a British pop radio broadcaster, born in Eynsham, Oxfordshire. He was one of the few music broadcasters in the United Kingdom to champion hard rock and heavy metal in the early 1980s, providing the only national radio forum for both bands and fans...
- Tony MyattTony MyattTony Myatt is a UK radio presenter. He has previously worked at the BBC, on Channel 4, on Jazz FM, on Capital Radio, on PrimeTime Radio, Radio Mercury and on Saga DAB radio stations...
- Chris BrooksChris BrooksChris Brooks may refer to:*Chris Brooks , Australian guitarist*Chris Brooks , American football wide receiver...
(2002-2009) (presenter on Heart and founder director of Yellow media) - Chris TarrantChris TarrantChristopher John "Chris" Tarrant, OBE is an English radio and television broadcaster, now best known for hosting the first version of the television game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in the United Kingdom and later Ireland, as the two national versions of the show merged in 2002.Chris...
(presenter of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is a television game show which offers large cash prizes for correctly answering a series of multiple-choice questions of increasing difficulty. The format is owned and licensed by Sony Pictures Television International. The maximum cash prize is one million pounds...
on ITV1ITV1ITV1 is a generic brand that is used by twelve franchises of the British ITV Network in the English regions, Wales, southern Scotland , the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The ITV1 brand was introduced by Carlton and Granada in 2001, alongside the regional identities of their...
) - Gary King Gary KingGary King is a British radio presenter who has worked for most of the country's best-known stations such as Capital FM, BBC Radio 1 and more recently Jazz FM...
(Radio) (now with Jazz FMJazz FMJazz FM may refer to:*Jazz FM , a digital jazz radio station in the United Kingdom.*102.2 Jazz FM, a defunct radio station based in London, England.*100.4 Jazz FM, a defunct radio station based in Manchester, England....
Plus Totally 80's and 90's shows Commercial Radio - Kara Noble
- Brian HayesBrian Hayes (broadcaster)Brian Hayes is a radio presenter who is known in United Kingdom for his phone-in shows.The son of a miner, he left school aged 15 and worked as a clerk for a mining company before obtaining a job as a newsreader for a radio station in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia...
- David Symonds
- Gerald HarperGerald HarperGerald Harper is an actor, best known for his work on television, having played the title roles in Adam Adamant Lives! and Hadleigh ....
- Graham DeneGraham DeneGraham Dene is a British radio personality.He was initially famous in the London area as Capital Radio's breakfast presenter in the 1970s and 1980s, and later worked for Virgin Radio. In 2006, he worked at Magic 105.4. In 2008, he was 102.2 Smooth Radio's breakfast host...
- Mike AllenMike Allen (broadcaster)Mike Allen is a British radio presenter, who was last on the air hosting an evening show on 102.2 Smooth Radio in London. He left in December 2008....
- Nicky HorneNicky HorneNicky Horne was a road manager for Emperor Rosko in 1969, before presenting shows on BBC Radio 1, from 1970 - 1973.Horne was one of the original line-up on London's Capital Radio, where he presented shows such as Your Mother Wouldn't like it, Mummy's Weekly & 6 of the Best...
- Paul HollinsPaul HollinsPaul Hollins is a British radio presenter who can currently be heard on The Heart Network as a relief presenter which is broadcast from Heart 106.2 in London...
(presenter on Heart and owner of Blue RevolutionBlue RevolutionBlue Revolution is a radio production and syndication company which creates a variety of shows that are broadcast by various radio stations. The company was originally established in 1999. Blue Revolution produces a number of syndicated radio programmes as well as the Radio e-Zine for radio stations...
) - Gary CrowleyGary CrowleyGary Crowley is an English broadcaster and DJ.When he was at school in the late Seventies Crowley started a punk fanzine titled The Modern World, interviewing some of the most important bands of the day including the Sex Pistols, the Clash and the Jam.After leaving school he took up a junior...
- David JensenDavid JensenDavid "Kid" Jensen , is a Danish Canadian-born, British radio DJ.-Early career:Born in a Danish family residing Victoria, British Columbia, Jensen began his career in his home country at the age of sixteen playing jazz and classical music. He then joined Radio Luxembourg at the age of eighteen in...
- Tony Shephard (presenter on Heart)
- Denise van OutenDenise van OutenDenise van Outen is an English actress, singer and television presenter. Her most notable roles to date are as a presenter on The Big Breakfast, and as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago on both the West End and on Broadway.- Early life :Born Denise Kathleen Outen in Basildon, Essex, she is the...
(narrator on The Only Way Is EssexThe Only Way Is EssexThe Only Way Is Essex, is a British BAFTA award-winning semi-reality show based in Essex, England. It shows "real people in modified situations, saying unscripted lines but in a structured way."...
on ITV2ITV2ITV2 is a 24 hour, free-to-air entertainment television channel in the United Kingdom owned by ITV Digital Channels Ltd, a division of ITV plc. It was launched on 7 December 1998, and is available on digital television via satellite, cable, IPTV and terrestrial platforms. The channel has the...
) - Kelly Temple
- Pat Sharp (now with Smooth Radio)
- Maggie Norden
- Ian Davidson
- Mike Smith
- John Sachs
- Adrian Love
- Mick Brown
- Lynn Parsons (now with Smooth Radio)
- Mike Dickin
- Alan "Fluff" Freeman
- Richard Allinson (now with BBC Radio 2BBC Radio 2BBC Radio 2 is one of the BBC's national radio stations and the most popular station in the United Kingdom. Much of its daytime playlist-based programming is best described as Adult Contemporary or AOR, although the station is also noted for its specialist broadcasting of other musical genres...
) - Greg Edwards
- Richard Digence
- Duncan Johnson
- Dan Gasser
- Kerry Juby
- LuluLulu-Companies:* Lulu , an online e-books and print self-publishing platform, distributor, and retailer* LuLu, an early automobile manufacturer* Lululemon Athletica or simply Lulu, a British Columbia-based athletic apparel company-Places:...
- David "Ram-Jam" Rodigan
- Peter Young
- Sarah Ward
- Sean Kelly
- Robbie Barish
- Paddy O'Byrne
- Mathew Bannister
- Clive WarrenClive WarrenClive Warren is a British radio DJ. He has worked at several broadcasters and now presents on weekdays and Sundays for Metro Radio.-Early career:...
(presenter on Metro RadioMetro RadioMetro Radio is an independent local radio station based in Newcastle upon Tyne and broadcasting to Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland. The station's output is principally contemporary pop and dance music...
)
- Clare Ashford
- Paul Phear (now with Magic 105.4)
- Richard Bacon (presenter on BBC Radio 5 LiveBBC Radio 5 LiveBBC Radio 5 Live is the BBC's national radio service that specialises in live BBC News, phone-ins, and sports commentaries...
) - Neil FoxNeil FoxNeil Andrew Howe Fox is an English DJ and TV presenter, known for many years as Dr. Fox before he became "Foxy" in the 2000s. He is now known simply as "Neil Fox". He is not to be mistaken for Conservative MP Liam Fox who is also known as Dr. Fox...
(Now Breakfast Magic 105.4) - Russ Williams (now with Absolute Radio)
- Paul Cooke
- Martin Collins (now with Magic 105.4)
- Steve Collins
- Mitch Johnson
- Pete TongPete TongPeter "Pete" Tong is an English DJ who works for BBC Radio 1. He is known worldwide by fans of electronic music for hosting programmes such as Essential Mix and Essential Selection on the radio service, which can be heard through Internet radio streams, for his record label FFRR Records, and for...
(presenter on BBC Radio 1BBC Radio 1BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
) - Paul McKenna
- Tim Westwood (presenter on BBC Radio 1XtraBBC Radio 1XtraBBC Radio 1Xtra is a digital radio station in the United Kingdom from the BBC specialising in new black music, sometimes referred to as urban music. Launched at 18:00 on 16 August 2002, it had been codenamed Network X during the consulation period and is the sister station to BBC Radio 1...
) - Neil Long
- Bryan Wolfe
- Russ "Commander" Kane
- Jackie Brambles (runs own business)
- Jane Walmsley
- Chris MoylesChris MoylesChristopher David Moyles is an English radio and television presenter and author, who currently presents The Chris Moyles Show on BBC Radio 1 and Chris Moyles' Quiz Night on Channel 4....
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chrismoyles/) - Sandy Beech (http://www.music4.com/studios/studio-people/sandybeech)
- Scott Hughes (credited Scott London)
- Dave KellyDave Kelly (broadcaster)David "Dave" Kelly is a British radio presenter and DJ from Northampton, England. He is currently employed by Bauer Radio for Key 103 and Radio City 96.7.-Career:...
(now with Radio City 96.7Radio City 96.7Radio City 96.7 is a British Independent Local Radio station, based in Liverpool, that serves Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales...
and Key 103Key 103Key 103 is an Independent Local Radio station broadcasting to the city of Manchester and the north west of England. Its output is principally contemporary pop and dance music. Formerly owned by Trans World Communications, EMAP and now by Bauer Radio, Key 103 is part of Bauer's Place Network of...
) - Johnny VaughanJohnny VaughanJonathan Randall Vaughan is an English broadcaster and journalist. Vaughan has become well known as a television and radio personality and has also built a reputation as a film critic. He co-presented Capital Breakfast alongside Lisa Snowdon on 95.8 Capital FM between 2004 and 2011...
See also
- List of radio stations in the United Kingdom
- Capital Radio OneCapital Radio OneCapital Radio is a song and an EP by The Clash.The original 2:07-2:09 song has been included as "Capital Radio" or "Capital Radio One" on Capital Radio E.P...
- The nine station Capital radio network
- Capital Breakfast