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WABC Gold was one of two stations operated by Paul Barnett (RIP) from Greencastle on the Donegal/Derry border in 1990. The other service was WABC Hot Hits and together both stations swept up advertising revenue from businesses in Northern Ireland despite new broadcasting laws in the Republic that were supposed to silence the pirates. This recording features the afternoon show presented by Barry Owler, who plays oldies and also reads news on the hour. An advertising promo refers to both stations in ‘the WABC radio network’, there are plenty of commercials from Counties Derry and Antrim and the show is sponsored by a wine bar and nightclub in Portstewart. Barry refers to the Italia 90 World Cup due to start that week and there is also a chance for listeners to win a weekend holiday break.
The tape was made between 1400-1530 on 6th June 1990 from 101.2 FM. Audio is generally good but there is some fading in places as it was recorded in Coleraine in Co. Derry. Thanks to Andy Craig for the original recording and to Ian Biggar for the donation.