June 2009 Archive
Posted by Sarfend at June 22nd, 2009 in Local Radio
Today, Monday the 22nd June 2009, Essex FM was replaced by “Heart”, taking the total of Heart-branded stations in the UK to 33, and adding networked daytime programming from London.
The station re-launched at 6am – first track was Janet Jackson, The Best Things in Life are Free.
Here’s a short extract from today’s 6am launch: Heart Essex Relaunch 2.1 Meg MP3.
Below is a picture of the main Heart Essex studio in Glebe Road, Chelmsford, rebranded with Heart.
As we covered in our recent Essex FM becomes Heart piece, many will see the transition to the Heart corporate brand as a sad day for local radio in Essex after 27 years of Essex Radio and Essex FM.
Got a comment? Noticed the change? Let us know.
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Posted by Sarfend at June 22nd, 2009 in Pier
News of a local Puppet Festival. If puppets are your thing, look out for the Puppet Festival on July 31st, August 1st and August 2nd.
There will be a number of free shows on and near Southend Pier. Kids; bring your grown-ups to see Punch. Grown-ups; bring your kids to see Judy. The shows, from all over the country, are free. Pier entrance at usual prices. Sponsored by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.
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Posted by Sarfend at June 19th, 2009 in Local Radio
From Monday the 22nd June, Essex FM vanishes from our local airwaves, to be replaced by “Heart”
As we’ve reported before, Essex FM is owned by the largest commercial radio group in the UK, Global Radio. Their three-phase plan to rebrand over 30 stations with a local identity to “Heart”.
For the last couple of weeks, listeners to Essex FM will have noticed subtle changes to the music format and branding – getting listeners gently ready for Monday’s change.
What does this mean for local listeners? Many of the presenters remain the same, including Martin and Sue’s breakfast show. Some shows will now be “networked”, including the 10am-1pm weekday show with Toby Anstis, and the evening “Heartbreakers” show. Less local programming, new jingles, and a form of programming identical to the other 32 “Heart” stations around the UK.
The Good Old Days: Essex Radio started back in 1981, and has seen many changes over the years. Any of these ring any bells? “Somewhere Special”, “We’ll make it a great today”, “The Big SX”, “Greatest Memories, Latest Hits”, “Essex (swoosh swoosh) FM”, or “Today’s Best Mix”. Various identities that your first local station has been known by.
Want more? Keen to reminisce about local radio in Essex? Here’s some links:
Happy with Heart? Happy to find your local station becoming part of a brand? Moved on to a different Southend radio station? Or happy to stick with Heart? Please add your comments below.
Farewell Essex Radio and Essex FM… and thanks for being “Somewhere Special”.
Queen: “All we hear is Radio ga ga… Radio goo goo… Radio blah blah…”
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Posted by Sarfend at June 19th, 2009 in High Street
This morning we saw ten eager shoppers in the o2 queue by 8:30, and two chaps with laptops and seats outside Southend High Street’s Carphone Warehouse.
These chaps have been queueing for the new Apple iPhone 3GS, which goes on sale today.
The new phone, an update on last year’s 3G version, offers a faster processor, a 3 Meg camera (still low compared with most smartphones), better battery life, video recording and a digital compass.
Below is a photo of the queue this morning…
… compared to the queue for the iPhone 3G in July 2008…
Those queueing today are likely to be interested in the new 32Gig version – the cost? £275 plus £35 a month for 18 months – That totals £890 for a phone. Those queuing last year that bought on an 18 month contract will also have to pay around £245 to buy out their old contract and upgrade.
More on the iPhone: UK iPhone details
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