ContactBBC Southern Counties Radio
"Radio Brighton..."
BBC Radio Brighton, Sussex & Southern Counties
BBC Radio Brighton, Radio Sussex, BBC SCR
The Southern Counties first got a BBC Local Radio station on 14th February 1968 when BBC Radio Brighton took to the air. Blizzards hit the region whilst the studios and premises were still being built, with the sheer volume of snow almost bringing the town to a grinding halt.
Manager Bob Gunnell took the executive decision to go on-air earlier than planned. There is a rumour that he borrowed a transmitter from one of the BBC networks taking it off the air and replacing it with a local service.
Early programming came from a rapidly built studio in a small room at the Brighton Dome. However, full service commenced quickly, with the station earning a place in listeners hearts as a friend and companion, but also as a provider of local news and information. It had a reputation for coverage of not only very local stories, but also major stories of national importance.
When the Eurovision Song Contest was held at the Dome in 1974, extensive coverage was aired on BBC Radio Brighton without ever actually playing Abba's massive hit, 'Waterloo', which was considered to be too 'noisy' by station management of the time. Local talent to have started on Radio Brighton include Kate Adie, Des Lynam and Jeremy Paxman.
On 22nd October 1983, Radio Brighton became Radio Sussex to reflect a wider reaching audience. The station's jingles featured the melody of the tune "Sussex by the Sea".
On 14th November 1991, BBC Radio Surrey launched from what is now the BBC's Guildford HQ, as an opt-out service from Radio Sussex.
Both came together with a new name - BBC Southern Counties Radio from September 1994. In February of 1992, the Brighton broadcast staff moved into new studios in Queens Road, Brighton. BBC Southern Counties Radio broadcasts on 104 - 104.8 & 95-95.4FM. There are no AM services.
Information amended from the excellent Aircheck UK webpage
BBC Radio Sussex Jingles
- BBC Radio Brighton - jingle sounds from the very early days