New Sussex radio station announces launch date

Initially focusing on serving West Sussex, with ultimate growth to the whole of the county, V2 Radio will be launched at midday on Monday (January 18).

The radio station said it will be 'broad and passionate' about highlighting local issues, news and events and its music mix will 'comprise familiar tunes' from the last five decades.

A spokesperson said: "The team behind the brand new station is delighted to herald the return of ‘proper local radio’ to the Sussex airwaves.

"Home to some of West Sussex’s favourite radio presenters, the V2 Radio line-up will include Ian Crouch, Milly Luxford and Nick Hobbs.

"Available on-line, via the dedicated V2 app, on smart speakers and across Sussex on DAB digital radio, the new station will fill the gap in local coverage that was created by the demise of Spirit FM."

Spirit FM was purchased last year by Bauer Media and replaced with Greatest Hits Radio.

This left listeners 'without the local focus' that Spirit FM had 'nurtured for almost quarter of a century'.

Some of the presenters whose jobs were lost after the takeover, vowed to launch a new station.

Programmes will be hosted by a 'wealth of industry talent', including presenters with national and international broadcasting experience.

Founder Justin Cottrell said: “V2 Radio’s community ethos will be its beating heart. Getting involved in local events, the arts and festivals, being visible through regular outside broadcasts and supporting local businesses and charities is central to what we want to do.”

The V2 Radio mission statement is to make a real difference locally by:

• Bringing back ‘proper local radio’ to the area

• Generating significant donations for charitable causes, with 10 per cent of station earnings being used directly for local causes through a Local Community Chest initiative

• Being the destination station for local news, travel information, and entertainment

• Featuring a broad spectrum of popular music from the 1960’s to today, as well as offering entertaining and informative programming relevant to the local area.

Find out more about V2 Radio at www.v2radio.co.uk