Blast Radio
 | |
| City |
Ealing UK  |
|---|---|
| Slogan | ON AIR. ONLINE. ON CAMPUS. |
| Frequency | Online and RSL for four weeks in May |
| First air date | 1994 (Tube Radio) |
| Format | Music & Speech |
| Owner | University of West London |
| Website | Blast Radio |
Blast Radio (formerly known as Tube Radio) is the student radio station for University of West London. They broadcast online[1] from studios based on campus. And on an RSL across the local area for four weeks in May.
Background
Originally launched in 1994 as Tube Radio[2] it was latter rebranded to its current name in 2007, bringing it underline with sister station Blast 1386AM based at the Reading campus, which was then part of Thames Valley University.[3]
At the time it was the first University in the United Kingdom to feature two student radio stations within the same institution.
Achievements
The station was nominated for a "Best Station" award in 2007 and a "Best Marketing and Promotion" award in 2009,[4] at the annual Student Radio Awards.
2014 the station celebrated 20 years broadcasting to students at University of West London, after launching in 1994.
May 2014 the station is awarded 'Society of the Year' from UWLSU.
Studios
The original studios were based at Ealing Studios from launch 1994 up until February 2015 when they moved to new purpose built studios on campus within 'The Heartspace'.
Other information
Sunday 22 May 2011 Dez 'Phunky-Munky' Govender was the first presenter ever to host the Student Radio Chart Show at the station.
25 May 2011 to 27 May 2011 Blast did a 48-hour broadcast called 'Blastathon' similar to that of Chris Moyles and sidekick Dave Vitty 58-hour broadcast on BBC Radio 1.
As of November 2011 they are listed under the College/University tab on iTunes.
8 April 2013 Marie Turner was replaced as station manager by assistant manager Rachel Pountney.
22 April 2013 Blast Radio teamed up with Heke Promotions to host its 'FM' launch-night at Flava's in Ealing.
May 2014 Mairi Dougan becomes Blast President
May 2015 Mark Riley becomes new Blast President, with Ben Douse becoming Vice President
They are also members of UK Student Radio Association.[5]
Notable alumni
- Billy Clark - (Team Assistant) at BBC Radio 1
- Lewis Davies - First from the station to work in commercial radio as a (Presenter) formerly with Fire Radio
- Marie Turner - Formerly a (Tech Op) at Global Radio and (Traffic and Travel Broadcaster) with INRIX
- Marcus Lambert - (Presenter) at Marlow FM and (Director) at TLS Broadcast Ltd.
- Rachel Pountney - (Street Team) at Star Radio
- Stephen Forbes - Formerly (Traffic and Travel Broadcaster) with INRIX
- Danielle Taylor - Co-Branded Content Coordinator at Global Radio
References
External links
- Blast Radio
- Media UK Station Profile
- Blast Radio on TuneIn.
- Blast Radio on SoundCloud.
- University of West London
Coordinates: 51°30′32″N 0°18′26″W / 51.509016°N 0.307258°W