Help Radio Tyneside stay on the air

Newsdesk

IMPORTANT UPDATE

17th February 2025 1 month ago

Radio Tyneside
Radio Tyneside, Newcastle and Gateshead’s hospital and community radio station, is facing one of the biggest challenges in its 75-year history - finding a new home
Now, as the station prepares for the next chapter, it is actively seeking new premises. Discussions with various organisations are already underway, and there is great optimism that a suitable new location will be found. This move represents an opportunity for Radio Tyneside to evolve, expand, and reach even more listeners than ever before.

Relocating is not just a logistical challenge - it carries a significant financial burden for the charity-run station. While previously the NHS Trust’s support has been invaluable in covering past operational costs, moving to a new location presents a considerable financial strain. Without a new base, the station’s ability to continue serving hospital patients and the wider community is at serious risk.

Radio Tyneside’s Chairman, Dave Nicholson OBE emphasised the importance of securing new premises: 

We remain committed to providing our unique service to patients and the local community, as well as reaching listeners online. But to continue, we urgently need a new location for our studios. We are appealing to individuals, businesses, and organisations who may be able to help us find a new home. If you can assist in any way, please get in touch.

Radio Tyneside first began broadcasting in 1951 as a football commentary service for hospital patients and is now one of the UK’s oldest broadcasters. It has been a pioneer in hospital radio, becoming the first to be licensed for AM broadcasts and later expanding to FM in 2018 and DAB in 2022.

Today, the station serves hospital patients at the Freeman Hospital and Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, as well as the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead. It also reaches the wider community via 93.6 FM, DAB, and online streaming.

Radio Tyneside urgently needs support to secure a new location and ensure it continues its vital work. 

Radio Tyneside has always been about bringing people together, providing comfort, and sharing stories that matter. We’re confident that with the help of our community, we’ll find the right place to continue our mission and make our service even stronger.

said Dave

If you have a space that could accommodate the station or can offer financial or logistical assistance, any help is greatly appreciated. Time is running out, and every bit of help will make a difference to our listeners and the communities we serve.

For more information email: info@radiotyneside.co.uk

Dave Nicholson OBE
Chairman
Radio Tyneside 93.6FM
3 North Terrace,
Spital Tongues,
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE2 4AD