Xfm takes indie message to the North East

by Staff, Campaign 12-Oct-05, 11:00

LONDON - Xfm, the GCap-owned radio brand, is applying for the new analogue radio licence in the North East.

Xfm said that research shows a positive response in the region towards the station's alternative music and comedy mix.

To help its bid, Xfm is broadcasting a dedicated North East version of its programming via digital radio and online. Xfm North East will be available for two weeks from October 17.

Xfm has pledged that if successful in its bid Xfm North East would broadcast local programming 90% of the time.

In June, Ofcom awarded Xfm the analogue license for Greater Manchester. The station will launch early next year.

Graham Hodge, Xfm's business development director, said: "The North East is an unbelievably exciting place to be at the moment. Culture-led regeneration is taking place everywhere you look.

"Great bands are springing up all over the region. New venues like Sage Gateshead and the Newcastle Academy, and festivals like Evolution and Middlesbrough Music Live, reflect a thriving live scene. All that's missing is a radio station that will support all this for the long term. That radio station is Xfm."

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