DevonAir Radio (1980 – 1994) was the local commercial radio provider for Exeter, East Devon and Torbay, South Devon in the English South West.
This website delves into the history of the original DevonAir Radio. The fully licenced ILR franchise that operated between 1980 – 1994. From its aspirations as a potential franchise holder in the late 70s to its establishment as a successful broadcast institution in Devon. Here we cover the periods of prosperity, the challenges faced, and ultimately the loss of the broadcasting licence leading to its closure.
Through a combination of personal, donated and public archives, along with references to local media reports available here, these pages present a fascinating narrative of the cherished and journey of DevonAir Radio – a remarkable local station renowned for its engaging local talk shows and music.
The company started as Radio Haldon Limited (formerly two groups Radio Exe and Torbay and Exeter Broadcasting Company) (see media reports 1978, 1979 and ‘Before DevonAir‘). The franchise was awarded on June the 16th 1979. DevonAir began broadcasting from Exeter to the city and East Devon on the 7th November 1980 and from Torquay to Torbay and South Devon on the 12th December 1980. DevonAir Radio lost it’s franchise on the 10th November 1993. It ceased broadcasting on the 31st December 1994.
To explore a wide range of research and archived material related to DevonAir Radio, please use the search function:
DevonAir‘s success as a business and a programme company in it’s first years on air was notable. But as early as 1982 management battles (here), cut-backs (here) and after 1985 a drastic change in editorial direction resulted in a drawn-out demise for the station. As one former media onlooker observed years later: “It was as if DevonAir had been pointed downhill”.
A world first – “Two genuine community radio stations unifying the areas and becoming an integral part of the lives of our people” (Chairman, Norman Devonport, speaking in July 1979 here).
In May of 1993, the regulatory body overseeing sound broadcasting in the United Kingdom, The Radio Authority (now OFCOM), initiated the re-advertisement of the radio contract for the Exeter and Torbay areas. The reissuance of the contract attracted interest and participation from four distinct groups, among them the existing broadcaster, DevonAir Radio. Public copies of the applications deposited in 1993 at libraries across the region from The Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Devon Heritage Centre in Exeter are available to view on this website here.After a fierce and at times unseemly battle for the franchise, DevonAir Radio lost its licence in 1993. Chief executive Paul Angus expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s a huge disappointment. The board of DevonAir and parent company Westcountry Broadcasting are totally dismayed. This is a very worrying decision, and I expect it will send shockwaves throughout the rest of the industry.”
Angus further added, “We will certainly be considering all the options, including a judicial review.” The announcement of DevonAir Radio losing its licence stirred up significant concern within the industry, leaving many in anticipation of its potential impact (press coverage here) (DevonAir Radio company Chairman archive 1993 here and 1994 here). Then 1995 here.
Documents related to the events leading to the eventual loss of DevonAir Radio‘s franchise can be accessed on this website, thanks to a Freedom of Information request made to the current regulator, OFCOM (Office of Communications). These documents provide valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding the franchise’s revocation and shed light on the developments that unfolded during that time (FOI Request here).
Closing DevonAir Radio
On the 31st of December 1994, DevonAir Radio ceased its operations.
The studio centre in Exeter, which had been the heart of the station, experienced swift changes. With the cessation of operations, the studios were promptly stripped of its broadcasting equipment. The building itself was eventually sold, first to the Devon Wildlife Trust. It was then sold again and transformed back into residential housing.
Meanwhile, the facilities at Harbour Point in Torquay faced a different fate. Initially, they were retained by the new programme company that emerged after the closure of DevonAir Radio. However, as time passed, a national firm took ownership of the studios. Under the control of this national entity, the studios eventually ceased their operations as well.
Express and Echo – DevonAir says goodbye – December 1994
Copies of the 1993 franchise applications from The Devon Archives and Local Studies Service, Devon Heritage Centre in Exeter are available to read on this website here. To explore a wide range of research and archived material related to DevonAir Radio on this website, please use this search function:
