December 31st 2023 marked 50 years since the very first commercial radio station launched in Scotland.
It’s hard to imagine a time when all you could receive on your VHF/FM radio was the BBC and even then, it was only Radio 2, 3 and 4! Radio Clyde in Glasgow was the first station to commence regular stereo broadcasting and it took to the airwaves at 10.30pm on Hogmanay 1973 with renowned broadcaster, Tony Currie at the helm.
To commemorate this occasion, David Henderson put together “50 Years of Commercial Radio in Scotland”, which was broadcast on TD9 Radio at 7pm on New Year’s Eve. An uncut four-hour edition was also broadcast at 10pm on New Year’s Day.
The programme features memories from the people that helped shape commercial radio back in the early days under the IBA (Independent Broadcasting Authority).
1973 – Radio Clyde
1975 – Radio Forth
1980 – Radio Tay
1981 – Northsound Radio
1981 – Westsound Radio
1982 – Moray Firth Radio
1990 – Radio Borders
You can listen again here