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” 

The story of the UK's first soul music pirate station.

Just as stations like Radio Caroline and Radio Jackie helped drive the rise of pop music culture, Radio Invicta supported the burgeoning soul music movement. In this episode, we hear about the radio landscape that Invicta launched into. We hear from presenter and DJ Gilles Peterson, who began his radio career as a teenager on Invicta; broadcaster Jez Nelson, who listened as a fan before launching his own career on Horizon; and DJ and presenter Tony Monson.

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

The story of London’s first Black-owned radio station.

Broadcasting from West London, DBC brought the sound of reggae sound system culture to the airwaves and the spirit of carnival to the radio. DBC was also one of the first stations to understand the importance of branding, with its iconic T-shirts and badges.

In this episode, we hear from Mike Williams, who ran the station alongside founder Lepke. We also speak to author, historian, and former DBC DJ Lloyd Bradley; chef and TV presenter Andi Oliver; and Pyers Easton, who built the transmitter for DBC and many other pirate radio stations in London.

Episode 3
LWR - Art, Authority, And A Changing London

A look at one of London’s most popular pirates, and the musical impact it had on a changing city.

As well as playing incredible soul and funk, LWR helped popularise the hip hop and electro sound that was sweeping London, and was pivotal in the early house music scene with pioneering shows like The Jacking Zone.

We hear from two of its DJs, Jazzy M and Ron Tom, and broadcaster and DJ Ross Allen remembers the station as a fan. We also hear about their battles with the Department of Trade and Industry, and the change in broadcasting laws that eventually forced them off air.

Episode 4
Kiss FM - Legalize It 

The story of Kiss FM’s journey from pirate to legal station.

As the radio landscape became more hostile to pirates, we hear the story of Kiss FM and its path to legitimacy.

Station founder Gordon Mac; journalist Tony Farsides; pirate radio engineer Pyers Easton; and broadcaster, DJ, and Kiss FM mainstay Norman Jay tell the story of Kiss FM, its incredible roster of DJs, and its attempt to become the Sound of Young London.

Episode 5
Birth of the Kool

The story of Kool FM, as told by Charlie Fracture.

DJ and producer Charlie Fracture describes himself as a superfan of jungle pirate Kool FM, the station he grew up with, broadcast from his area of Hackney.

He’s dedicated an interview podcast series of his own called 0860, named after the telephone code of the radio station that changed his life.

In this episode, we discuss his memories of Kool FM and hear excerpts from his interviews with Kool FM founder Eastman, Uncle Dugs, DJ Dextrous, and Nicky Blackmarket.

Episode 6
Pirate Legacy 

The independent and community spirit of pirate radio lives on through the internet and DIY radio.

We speak to radio stations Worldwide FM and NTS Radio, and to independent broadcasters and DJs Chris Phillips (One Jazz) and Haseeb Iqbal (Studio Crumb), about continuing the pirate radio legacy—and what it takes to run a station today.