On this day in Yorkshire 1st September 1981- Radio Aire makes its first broadcast in Leeds

On 1st September 1981, the city of Leeds entered the brave new world of commercial radio, when Radio Aire made its debut broadcast. The presenter of the launch show was Graham Thornton and the first song played was “Pilot of the Airwaves,” by Charlie Dore. Radio Aire was transmitted originally on 362 metres (828MW) and 94.6VHF, before moving to its more familiar position of 96.3 in 1986. The station was broadcast from its purpose-built studios on Kirkstall Road, next to Yorkshire Television studios, with a transmitter located in Tingley. These premises were the first of their kind for any commercial radio in the country. Famous presenters over the years have included Chris Moyles, Christa Ackroyd, Carol Vorderman and Liz Kershaw. Radio Aire continues to broadcast on 96.3FM.

Listen below to the first Radio Aire broadcast on this day 35 years ago.

Cover picture credit: mtaylor848 wikipedia creative commons.