The Breeze 105.5 (South Devon)

The Breeze, is an Independent Local Radio station for Torbay and South Devon, forming part of The Breeze network.

Greatest Hits Radio (From Sept. 1st)
Broadcast area[South Devon] [Torquay]
Frequency105.5 FM MHz from Beacon Hill
BrandingThe Breeze (Until Sept. 1st 2020)
SloganPlaying the greatest hits for Devon
Programming
FormatPopular music from the 70s, 80s & 90s.
NetworkGreatest Hits Radio
Ownership
OwnerBauer Radio
History
First air date26 May 2006
Links
Websitewww.thebreeze.com/southdevon/

The station based in Torquay was originally called Palm 105.5 until September 2015, following its acquisition the year previous. The station has now been acquired by Bauer and will re-brand into Greatest Hits Radio.

On-going re-brand to Greatest Hits Radio

The station (along with most of The Breeze network stations) will turn into one of Bauers flagship stations, Greatest Hits Radio. Currently, it's retaining it's branding until September 1, 2020 when it will be replaced by Greatest Hits Radio but is broadcasting the same playlist.

Currently there are two original presenters, Matt Rogan at Breakfast (South Devon only) and recently Steve Priestly (national) - the other presenters are networked from Greatest Hits Radio.

The station will re-brand as Greatest Hits Radio on 1 September 2020 with the end of all local shows apart from a regional Drive show 4-7pm.

History

Palm FM was set up in 1998 and was the first to run a Restricted Service Licence in the area.

In 1994, Jo Corben-Richards (aka CJ Munroe), former Senior Producer/Presenter for DevonAir Radio, applied for a Restricted Service Licence specifically for the Torbay area with the backing of local lawyer and property developer, Roger Richards and local businesswoman Julia Milton-Head. Whilst at DevonAir, CJ had tried to persuade them to maintain an opt-out radio service for the Torbay area.

Permission for an RSL was initially granted by the Radio Authority, but subsequently objected to by the owners of Exeter/Torbay licence, Gemini FM.

In 1997, CJ and Roger gained further support from local businessmen and the like to proceed with the development of a local radio service for Torbay.

First RSL

Palm FM's first Restricted Service Licence was launched by the Mayor of Torquay, Vincent McCann in December 1998. The broadcast was set up to cover the annual Torbay Carnival and Christmas celebrations; they also broadcast extensive outside broadcasts from schools and a live Midnight Mass from St. Matthias Church in Wellswood.

Second RSL

A second 28-day broadcast was made from August 1999 to coincide with the eclipse; the station was even designated the "Official Eclipse Station" by Sir Patrick Moore, who involved himself with the Palm's output.

Outside broadcasts during this period included a South West Musical Festival from the Quay West holiday Complex in Paignton.

A new logo was designed by local students and a winner was picked by the listeners.

The area's tourist industry was promoted by a locally written and Palm FM produced CD which was distributed by W.H. Smiths.

Great Britain's largest recognised talent competition "Stairway to the Stars" was sponsored by Palm FM and featured CJ as Senior Judge.

Third RSL

Palm FM returned to the airwaves in May 2000, again under the guidance of CJ. During this period, Palm FM continued to lobby for the Torbay area to be added to the Radio Authority's "working list" for proposed new services. Between the last two RSLs, Palm FM commissioned two separate in-depth independent research initiatives for the proposed permanent station, the results were forwarded to the Authority.

2000 onwards

Station Director, Brian Houghton died, his wife continued his support and investment in the company. Julia Milton-Head left the company for health reasons, but also retained her investment. In 2002, Carlton Westcountry presenter Kate Reeves expressed her interest and later joined the Board.

After the RSLs, Dr. Avtar Lit and Palm Radio Ltd agreed to apply for the Torbay Licence, Managing Director of London Media Company, Neil Romain joined the Board of the newly formed Palm FM Limited with his colleague David Lowen, a media consultant and former head of news for ITV Westcountry. LMC now provide financial and administrative support while allowing the local Board to operate, broadcast and develop.

In September 2005, and after ten years of campaigning, Palm was awarded the licence.[1]

Sale and rebranding to The Breeze

Celador Radio acquired Palm FM on 22 August 2014 from Palm Radio Ltd for the remaining 40% which was not owned.[2] On 21 September 2015, Palm 105.5 was rebranded as The Breeze and became part of The Breeze Network

References
  1. "Licence win details and statement". Archived from the original on 28 March 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
  2. http://radiotoday.co.uk/2014/08/celador-completes-acquisition-of-palm-fm/

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