Originally named 'Radio Heslington' when it formed in 1968, University Radio York or URY, was the first student radio station ever to be awarded a Community Radio licence by Ofcom in May of this year, allowing them to broadcast on Digital Radio (DAB).
For the first time in its history, University of York's student radio will be audible across the entirety of York, as well as on campus
URY had broadcasted on AM for over half a century, and expanded to FM in 2022. With the addition of digital radio, they will be available on three separate platforms, online , on FM , and on digital radio. This will make URY the most accessible student station in the country in terms of listening platforms.
University Radio York’s station manager, Joe Brearley, said “This is a huge achievement not only for URY, but for student radio as a whole. We are incredibly proud that our legacy of being radio pioneers, as the first independent radio station in the UK, is being continued to this day. The fact that Ofcom has recognised URY as the first student station with a community licence shows the value that student radio provides, particularly here in York. We are looking forward to broadcasting across the city, and providing a valuable service to students across York, as well as on campus”.
University Radio York will start broadcasting on digital radio on Sunday the 8th of September, coinciding with the new academic year. Their DAB Switch On Show on the 8th will host interviews with the people from the society, the university and the local community that were instrumental in this achievement. The switch on show will also feature conversations about the importance of student radio, with comments and clips from notable alumni of URY and even BBC Radio 1 DJs.
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