Radio Links

For radio fanatics everwhere, here's my pick of some of the best radio sites and stations in the UK and worldwide. Also on this page are a few favourite shows you might like to try. See also, our Special Mentions section.

The Big L	The Big L, reborn. Presenters include Julian Bright, Eric Van Willegen, Roger Davis, Chirpy, Chloe Stanton, Chris Byland, Rick Ainley, Kev Reed, Simon Davis and Cookie. Sponsored by KBC Import. Live audio streams and on 1395MW. (Highly reccommended, see Special Mentions.) Also available, the Friends of Big L forum.
1395.com	The umbrella site, for all stations using the 1395AM between 22:00 and 19:00 UK time, including The Big L, Transport Radio and The Voice Of England. News, programme schedules and merchandise.
Media UK	News, links, station info, RSL/Satelite/Internet radio info, presenter lists etc.
The Radio Magazine	Industry news etc.
Wireless Waffle	News, links etc. for the radio enthusiast
Caroline	The legend lives on and remains refreshinlgy different. Live Audio stream and memorabilia. Also on Sky 0199. (See Special Mentions.)
Pirate FM	Sony award winning station, serving West Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Live Audio stream.
WMMO Florida	Fantastic music station on 98.9FM in the Orlando area. Live audio stream.
Whispers	The web site of radio legend, Whispering Bob Harris
WSFM	Sydneys Classic hits station. My favourite station down under. Live audio stream.

Arrow Classic Rock	Classic rock station from Holland. Live audio stream.
Radio 10 Gold	Classic oldies station from Holland. Live audio stream.
Wave 105	Broadcasting to the south of England. Live Audio stream.
The Mighty KBC	Nightly shortwave radio from the Mighty KBC. On air between 12:30 and 22:30 GMT on 6550Khz. Excellent shows from Emperor Rosko, Chloe & Chirps, Roger Davis Eric Van Willegen and Cookie. * SW service now closed - KBC radio now merged with Big L *
Lynn Parsons	For something different, try the podcasts from this talented broadcaster.
Radio Rewind	Radio memorabilia. Info on shows, presenters, stations etc.
Hall of Fame	The Radio Academy Hall of Fame
Music Radio News	Friendly and lively forum for discussion of all music radio issues.
Digital Spy	Radio and TV (inc. satelite and digital) news, covering content, transmission and reception. Comprehensive forums.
Wildsat	Frequently updated station lists and tuning details for Sky and FTA statelite users. (Frequently updated)
ZaraRadio	Superb straightforward free and reliable software to provide radio playout facilities.
CookieRadio	Quality radio productions. "Cookie's Three Of A Kind", "Thursday Evening with Cookie" and more.

Recommended Shows

Here are a few favorite shows for the discerning listener to try:

The Big L I simply couldn't pick out individual shows on the wonderful station, there are so many worthy of mention. From the spectacular overnight variety, including Chloe Stanton, Chris Byland, Rick Ainley, Mike Wilson and many more, to the friendly and accessible daytime an weekend lineup, including Chirpy, Kev Reed, Simon Davis, Roger Davis, Ron O'Quinn to name but a few. You won't find anything else like it on your dial and you could become instantly hooked!

The legendary Johnnie Walker Sunday afternoons on Radio 2 with Sounds of the Seventies.

Another radio legend, now on Radio 2, Bob Harris presents his unique blend of new music and classic tracks on Saturday nights.

A couple of Breakfast shows well worth a listen are Bob McCreadie on Pirate FM and Steve Power on Wave 105 (includes Deal of the day and Universally Challenged). Also on Wave 105 are the Golden Hours and the Glitz Mix.

In a similar vein to the Glitz mix, try Juke Box Saturday Nights on Sydneys WSFM. (Saturday mornings in the UK).

Two highly professional broadcasters treated disgracefully by BBC national radio, still well worth a listen: Dave Lee Travis now on the Magic AM network and Richard Allinson who presents Allinsons Albums, weekends on BBC Radio Oxford. Intelligent, entertaining and wide ranging quality music.

For the Rock 'n' Roll fan, try Geoff Barkers cracking Saturday evening show on various BBC regional stations in the south west, or Rock 'n' Roll Saturday on The Big L.

A special mention for two unique stations, descendants from the 60s pirate era:

Radio Caroline, now broadcasts legally via Sky Digital and the Internet, from studios in Maidstone, run by dedicated volunteers. Carolines album based format means much music you just won't hear anywhere else.

The Big L was re-launched in 2005 as the descendant of pirate Radio London. Broadcasting legally from studios in Frinton-On-Sea, the Internet and on 1395AM. The AM signal is transmitted from Holland and is currently receivable during the day in the east of England, and during the night across the UK and much of Europe. The AM signal is off air between 7pm and 10pm, as the frequency is used by Albania during this period. A wide open playlist, listener interraction, and balance of big name and lesser known talented presenters make this one of the best stations available. This station is now largely staffed by a team of unpaid volunteers, providing support and live and recorded programming from studios located arround the UK and overseas.

The knowledge and enthusiasm of the staff of both these stations shines through, to bring radio as it should be, interesting , informative, fun and with a breadth of music, old and new that you just won't hear anywhere else. Two stations sailing proud and free on a sea of blandness and restrictive playlists that typify too many of our radio stations today.