article date: 18 September 2009

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From Monday (21 September 2009) Premier Christian Radio will be broadcasting across Britain on DAB digital radio.

It’s a significant expansion for Premier which has come a long way since its launch as a medium wave local station in 1994 when it was only available in parts of London. Via the national commercial operator, Digital One, Premier will be available to more than 90% of the British population from Newcastle to Exeter and Southampton to Glasgow (click here to check if you'll be able to receive the station at your postcode).

The radio station’s Chief Executive, Peter Kerridge is excited about the switch to national DAB digital radio. “ For the past few years it’s been our ambition to bring Christian radio to listeners across Britain. It’s a campaign that’s seen lobbying of Parliament, letter-writing campaigns to the regulator and people at prayer across the country. This is the biggest step for our radio station since its launch. We’re grateful to church leaders from all of the major Christian denominations who’ve supported this initiative, and to the thousands of individual listeners who are backing us financially to pay for national transmission.”

Premier Christian Radio’s programming includes Inspirational Breakfast, the daily magazine show Woman to Woman, Premier Worship, Premier Drive and Worship and Gospel Tonight. It also broadcasts talks, discussion programmes and specialist music programmes (ranging from rock to R&B). Premier’s positioning statement is “Inspiring – Uplifting - Rejoicing”.

Digital One’s Operations Director, Glyn Jones, believes the deal is significant. “It’s a big step to see Premier joining the UK’s biggest commercial radio stations on Digital One alongside the likes of Classic FM, Absolute Radio and Planet Rock. This gives them the chance to compete for the same listeners with a very different type of radio. In terms of our business, it’s the first time that a contract on Digital One is being paid for largely via fund-raising among the audience, with listeners writing cheques to fund Premier’s expansion. It demonstrates a level of listener involvement and support that other stations undoubtedly envy. ”

If Premier doesn't come up in your choice of stations, please tune to "D1 Test1" or do a Rescan/Autotune of your radio.

More information about the station is available at www.premierradio.org.uk

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