Iconic Birmingham radio station BRMB returned to the airwaves after Ofcom approved the name change of Big City Radio.
Broadcasting on FM, online and DAB in the West Midlands from September 4, Big City Radio moved their service to online only.
The station, the fourth independent local commercial radio station to begin broadcasting in Britain after LBC, Capital London and Radio Clyde, which initially launched in 1974, before it was rebranded as Free Radio Birmingham in 2012.
Wyvern programme director in Worcester, Paul Ellery was tasked by station owner, Muff Murfin with bringing the radio station back to life. He is joined by Andre Stewart Daniel, Mikey Faulkner, Phil Oldershaw, Olly Nelson and Luke Crawford.
“It’s a dream to bring back the iconic name BRMB to Birmingham,” said Murfin. “I’m sure it will be successful.” Ellery added “The new BRMB will be Birmingham’s ‘go to’ local station again with local news and music for the whole of the city.
“The team have been planning this for most of the year and we’re all really excited about the relaunch.” Presenters such as Ed Doolan, Les Ross, Phil Upton and Tony Butler became regulars on the station, with Les Ross becoming the UK's longest-serving breakfast show presenter, presenting the flagship weekday show from March 1976 to March 1989, followed by a second stint between August 1993 to September 2002.
Sports broadcasting legend Tony Butler was regarded as the pioneer of the football phone-in, presenting the format several years before it appeared on many other stations. Former head of sport Tom Ross also found fame on the station when it began broadcasting live commentary of West Midlands football matches every Saturday afternoon.
