Test radio station adds to presenter roster

A TEST radio station – to broadcast in the Edinburgh area on the signal left vacant just before Christmas by the defunct all-speech station, talk107 – has added to its presenter roster.

‘Coast 107 to the Capital’ is to operate along the same ‘more tracks, less chat’ lines as its similarly-named radio station on the south coast of England.

The Celador-owned outfit will be running the station as a Restricted Service Licence for one month, beginning a fortnight on Saturday.

Joining Scott Wilson and Brian Ford among the presenters will be Alex Horsburgh (daytime) Ian Wilson (weekend breakfast) and Maddie Wober (evenings).

As reported previously by allmediascotland.com, Wilson has the breakfast slot and Ford the drivetime one.

Meanwhile, Christine Jardine and Scott Mullen join head of station, Charles Fletcher, on The Coast 107 news team.

Celador is hoping broadcasting regulators, Ofcom, will make the 107FM licence vacated by talk107 permanently available and is using the month-long broadcast to guage public reaction to its style, which is aimed at over-40s who love music by the likes of The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Chris de Burgh and Keane.

The test has gained the support of the chief executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

Says Ron Hewitt: “The investment by Celador Radio Productions into Edinburgh is an important development in ensuring that the 107 licence is re-advertised and that a new format is introduced that fits the market here.

“I’m sure there’s a big market here for a station like this. The format is strong and very different to what’s currently available. It’s critical that the 107 frequency is re-advertised by Ofcom to bring more choice to people across Edinburgh.”