Rebel Radio: Gaps in the Dial podcast

Gaps In The Dial is a podcast series that will look at the history of Pirate Radio in the UK. It can’t be a definitive guide, and it won’t try to be. What it will do is address some of the important milestones in pirate radio history, examine some of the recurring themes about subcultures, community and enterprise, painting a picture of the new UK that emerged after the Conservatives came to power in 1979. Gaps In The Dial will take individuals, specific radio stations, and specific moments in time that are representative of a wider story.

Episode 1
Invicta - “Soul Over London” 

In this episode we tell the story of the UK's first Soul Music pirate station. Just as stations like Radio Caroline and Radio Jackie helped the rise of pop music culture, there was a need for a musical alternative that took care of soul music, and black audiences. We hear about the radio landscape that Invicta was launched in, from some of the characters involved in the station, some of the DJ’s whose careers began there and from fans on why the station was so special. 

Episode 2
Dread Broadcasting Corporation - “Tune In If You’re Rankin” 

Broadcasting from West London and credited as London’s first Reggae Pirate Station and broadcast, DBC brought the sound of reggae sound system culture to the airwaves. DBC was one of the first stations to understand the importance of branding, with its iconic t-shirts and badges. 

Episode 3
LWR - Art V Authority 

A case study on one of London’s most popular pirates of the mid 80’s, home to characters like Jasper The Vinyl Junkie, and Jazzie M, and their battles with the Department of Trade and Industry, whose job it was to take down London’s pirate stations. 

Episode 4
Kiss FM - Legalize It 

The story of Kiss FM and its decision to go legal. We look at the history of the station, and the road to becoming legit, through the words of the Kiss FM originals.

Episode 5
Rave Radio 

The story of Centreforce FM and Kool FM has many parallels - two East London stations, one reflecting the Summer Of Love and the rise of acid house, the other an integral part of the birth of a new genre - Jungle. 

Episode 6
Pirate Legacy 

The independent and community spirit of pirate radio has lived on through the internet and DIY radio. We speak to some of the new guard behind stations on what it takes to run a station today.

The podcasts will be live to listen to from 1 Jun.