DevonAir Radio (1980-1994)

DevonAir Radio was the original local commercial radio provider for Exeter, East Devon, and Torbay in South Devon, operating from 1980 to 1994.

This Page Index
Introduction and Overview
Origins and Formation (Late 1970s – 1980)
Franchise Award (1979)
Broadcasting Success and Early Years (1980 – 1982)
Challenges and Management Battles (1982)
Mid-Life Struggles and Editorial Changes (1985 – Early 1990s)
Franchise Loss and Closure (1993 – 1994)
Competing for the Franchise
Final Broadcast and Closure (1994)
Legacy and Reflection

Introduction and Overview

DevonAir became an integral part of the community, offering a unique mix of local talk shows, news, and music. Through its years of operation, the station experienced both successes and challenges, culminating in the loss of its broadcasting licence in 1993. These pages delve into its rich history, highlighting key moments and the eventual closure. For original media reports and archival documents, visit here.

Origins and Formation (Late 1970s – 1980)

DevonAir’s origins trace back to a merger of Radio Exe and Torbay and Exeter Broadcasting Company, forming Radio Haldon Limited. The company was officially recognised as an Independent Local Radio (ILR) franchise. Chairman Norman Devonport heralded it as a pioneering station, serving as a unified voice for two distinct communities. His statement in July 1979 summed up the station’s ambition: “Two genuine community radio stations unifying the areas and becoming an integral part of the lives of our people” (source).

Franchise Award (1979)

DevonAir was awarded the franchise for Exeter and Torbay on 16th June 1979. The station’s dual broadcast approach began with its first transmission to Exeter and East Devon from Exeter on 7th November 1980, followed by Torquay and South Devon on 12th December 1980 (read more here).

Broadcasting Success and Early Years (1980 – 1982)

DevonAir’s early success was driven by its strong local programming. The station touched the listeners through its regular daytime diet of talking to Devon with a team of expert programme presenters and producers. Also with DevonAir’s dedicated news journalists. For example, one of its hallmark programmes, At One With Devon, launched on 7th November 1980, provided a 15-minute lunchtime news segment featuring reports and live broadcasts. It became a central feature of its daytime programming, later rebranded as Devon Reports. This programme connected both East and South Devon, highlighting the station’s ability to serve multiple communities.

Then later in the day, DevonDay, produced and presented by Mike Joseph, the weekday 90 minute evening news programme during drivetime after 5.00pm. Covering local stories and news events nationally and internationally and their direct affect on audiences in Devon (notably during the Falkland’s war that touched listeners and their families locally).

Within weeks of the station going on air, DevonAir fulfilled it’s promise to the regulator by providing specialist dedicated music programmes (Jazz, Folk, Film, Big Band, Country, Classical  and later Rock and Roll) all popular in their own way, presented by experts in the individual field of music.

DevonAir instantly became part of the fabric of the county from the moment it went on air – an instant friend, a point of contact, a knowledge-base – with a large and loyal following that was second to none.

Challenges and Management Battles (1982)

Despite its early momentum, DevonAir faced serious management issues by 1982. Internal battles led to significant cutbacks, as financial pressures mounted. The station’s editorial direction began to shift, marking the start of a downward trend that would continue into the mid-1980s (‘DevonAir Radio in Crisis’).

Mid-Life Struggles and Editorial Changes (1985 – Early 1990s)

By 1985, DevonAir experienced a major editorial overhaul. Local content became increasingly limited, and the station’s focus shifted, which alienated some of its audience. As one critic later observed, it was as though the station had been “pointed downhill,” and it struggled to maintain its original charm and appeal (source).

Franchise Loss and Closure (1993 – 1994)

In May 1993, the Radio Authority re-advertised the Exeter/Torbay franchise, splitting it into separate AM and FM licences to better serve the evolving radio market.

DevonAir’s initial proposal to continue simultaneous content on both frequencies appeared outdated, and despite a last-minute attempt to differentiate its offerings, the station struggled to keep pace with industry trends (large PDF file: source).

Competing for the Franchise

Three key competitors emerged during the re-licensing process (1993 Analysis here):

• Bay City Radio, backed by Pirate FM, emphasised an advanced FM offering but lacked depth in their AM strategy (large PDF file: source).
• Wild West Radio, spearheaded by Lantern Radio’s creator, focused on local content but lacked the necessary financial strength to sustain a larger market presence (large PDF file: source).
• Gemini Radio, the ultimate victor, presented a balanced approach with distinct AM and FM content. Their strategy, which divided music (FM) from community talk (AM), resonated well with the Radio Authority, securing them the licence (large PDF file: source).

Final Broadcast and Closure (1994)

DevonAir Radio broadcast its final show on 31st December 1994 (hear it here).

After 14 years, the station’s equipment in Exeter was soon stripped out. The building sold to Devon Wildlife Trust and then, later, returned to housing.

Meanwhile the Torquay site followed a similar path under new ownership  as it was retained as a radio studio and was later closed for operations when the succeeding broadcast business who purchased Gemini decommissioned the Torquay studios.

Legacy and Reflection

The closure of DevonAir Radio left a lasting impact on the local community. Paul Angus, DevonAir’s Chief Executive at the time, expressed his deep disappointment at the station’s loss, stating that the decision would send “shockwaves throughout the industry” (source). Today, many documents related to DevonAir’s closure, including the Freedom of Information request to OFCOM, are available for public viewing. These provide deeper insights into the circumstances that led to the loss of the franchise (see documents here).

For further exploration of DevonAir Radio’s history, including archived reports and personal anecdotes, visit the search function: DevonAir Radio Archives.

Additional Resources

• DevonAir Franchise Applications (1993)
• Company Chairman Archive (1993-1994)
• Full Site Map