Posted on

Border series: Radio North at the end of 2002

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Border series: Radio North at the end of 2002

This recording of long-running Donegal pirate Radio North was made at the end of 2002. On air is Caroline McDermott with country and Irish music and some oldies. She also shares information about local music and gigs for New Year’s Eve. Adverts are for Northern businesses only. There’s a technical problem with the news at the top of the hour, presumably due to an issue with the link to a syndicated service. A listeners’ quiz with a £500 prize is sponsored by a car business in Derry and Tyrone.

The tape was made in Scotland from 846 kHz AM on 30th December 2002 between 1345-1515 and is courtesy of Ian Biggar.

Posted on

Border series: Radio Star Country promotes country artists

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Border series: Radio Star Country promotes country artists
Poster for Radio Star Country concert in 2004 (courtesy Ian Biggar).

An important aspect of pirate radio history is how rural stations often supported country music artists from their own areas and advertised or organised local musical gigs and concerts. Pirate personalities often appeared at such events as DJs or comperes, underlining the symbiotic relationship between unlicensed radio and the live music industry. A recording of Monaghan station Radio Star Country from St. Patrick’s Day 2002 contains evidence of this dynamic. There are plenty of adverts for country gigs taking place in pubs and hotels in the mid-Ulster area, including one in Armagh where DJ Carol G. is to appear later that evening.

The recording contains plenty of requests from listeners and there is a competition for tickets to a country and gospel show. Adverts are heard from Armagh, Antrim and Monaghan. The tape was made in Scotland from 981 kHz on 17th March 2002 from 1025-1100 and is donated kindly by Ian Biggar.