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Big L now an internet-only station
Big L, the British commercial station that until recently was using a mediumwave transmitter in the Netherlands (1395 kHz), has become an Internet-only station. Its satellite signal, which had fed audio to the mediumwave transmitter and made the station available across the UK and Ireland on the Sky platform, has been replaced by a test tone for the past 24 hours.
Presenter Mike Read, who is believed to have been working on the station for many months without being paid, was heard to say this morning on its remaining outlet, the Internet stream, that ‘the plug has been pulled’ on the satellite feed. Other presenters have left the station in recent months claiming not to have received a pay check.
It remains to be seen whether Big L, which has been in financial difficulties for most of its existence since its launch in 2005, will attempt to continue as an Internet station, or close completely. There are constant rumours about possible new owners, but the reality of the situation is that now is not a good time to invest in commercial radio unless you have deep pockets. Another UK radio company, Laser Radio, recently filed for bankruptcy, though its stations are still on the air.
Presenter Mike Read, who is believed to have been working on the station for many months without being paid, was heard to say this morning on its remaining outlet, the Internet stream, that ‘the plug has been pulled’ on the satellite feed. Other presenters have left the station in recent months claiming not to have received a pay check.
It remains to be seen whether Big L, which has been in financial difficulties for most of its existence since its launch in 2005, will attempt to continue as an Internet station, or close completely. There are constant rumours about possible new owners, but the reality of the situation is that now is not a good time to invest in commercial radio unless you have deep pockets. Another UK radio company, Laser Radio, recently filed for bankruptcy, though its stations are still on the air.
Big L to be taken over by a 'newly formed company"
Struggling UK broadcaster Big L announced on air this morning that it is to become part of a ”newly formed company.” The name of the new company was not disclosed, but it was described as one which is expanding, and appears to involve a group that currently holds FM licences in the UK. Details of what exactly will happen, and when, are still sketchy, but presenter Mike Read said that some Big L programmes will be on FM (Cheltenham, Gloucester and Swindon were mentioned), and the plan is to “build up the brand”.
Big L will make use of a new studio facility currently under construction (location unknown), but some programmes will continue to come from the station’s present studio in Frinton-on-Sea. The station may reappear on Sky channel 0190, but if this is no longer possible there is another Sky channel that will become available in January. No decision has been made about the future of 1395 kHz, but that remains an option. The station has so far not issued an official statement.
(Source: Mike Read show on Big L)
Update 1700 UTC: Ray Woodward reports that channel 0190 has now been removed from the Sky EPG.
(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
Struggling UK broadcaster Big L announced on air this morning that it is to become part of a ”newly formed company.” The name of the new company was not disclosed, but it was described as one which is expanding, and appears to involve a group that currently holds FM licences in the UK. Details of what exactly will happen, and when, are still sketchy, but presenter Mike Read said that some Big L programmes will be on FM (Cheltenham, Gloucester and Swindon were mentioned), and the plan is to “build up the brand”.
Big L will make use of a new studio facility currently under construction (location unknown), but some programmes will continue to come from the station’s present studio in Frinton-on-Sea. The station may reappear on Sky channel 0190, but if this is no longer possible there is another Sky channel that will become available in January. No decision has been made about the future of 1395 kHz, but that remains an option. The station has so far not issued an official statement.
(Source: Mike Read show on Big L)
Update 1700 UTC: Ray Woodward reports that channel 0190 has now been removed from the Sky EPG.
(Source: R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)
