BRISTOL’S 1020 RADIO TO CEASE BROADCASTING THIS MONTH

Much loved Bristol-based radio station 1020 Radio has announced its closure after eight years of broadcast.

The station said that they were just “another casualty” of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing rising costs, all of which had taken their toll on the independent station over the past few years.

“We’ve made the difficult decision to close our studio and cease broadcasting after almost 8 years,” they announced on Instagram earlier today. “As many of you know the last few years have been very difficult for many small businesses.”

The station will cease broadcast on May 28 with a line-up of shows to “send off the station” and a closing party which will be open to the public.

“From all the team at 1020 Radio it has been a pleasure and an incredible experience for us over the last 8 years. We are truly gutted to be informing you all of this news,” they said.

“We want to give a big shout-out to everyone who’s contributed, listened, supported, and partied with us over the past 8 years. You’ve all made it an unforgettable journey, and we’re forever grateful for your support.”

During its eight years, 1020 Radio has helped to bolster local talent and hosted talks, panels, and stages at events across the country.

1020’s founder, Sean McGovern, spoke to Mixmag earlier this year about how the Bristol station has been impacted by the cost of living crisis. He described having “little success” with access to funding, and spoke about class within radio.

“A lot of it comes down to class and access to money and how it shapes the spaces, who gets access and accepted into those spaces,” he said. “If we don’t start seriously talking about class and class access as an industry, then inevitably it will continue along the same path.”