Radio City, now known as Hits Radio Liverpool, celebrates 50 years of broadcasting today. Launched on Monday 21st October 1974 the radio station went on to become one of the most successful in the UK enjoying record listening figures and a multitude of industry awards for excellence. An industry leader for five decades the station produced some of the country’s most respected journalists, sports reporters and presenters, production and technical teams and business guru’s.
On Friday 18th October 200 former staff members and some of the current staff gathered at Dicey Reillys on Wolstenholme Square to raise a glass to celebrate 50 years of broadcasting. Such was the keenness to recognise the momentous occasion that former staff members travelled from as far as Australia, Europe and all over the UK to acknowledge the milestone anniversary.
Event organisers Molly Marshall (Hits Radio Liverpool/former Radio City) and Carolyn Hughes (former Radio City and now Carolyn Hughes PR Ltd) who have been responsible over the years for many of the radio stations landmark celebrations did not want to let the milestone anniversary pass without marking the historic occasion.
Molly said “Radio City has a special place in many hearts throughout the region, and also with the many former employees who travelled far and wide on Friday to acknowledge this very special day. 50 glorious years and so many memories made for so many people, I am beyond proud to be one of the longest serving members of staff and delighted that we could celebrate 50 wonderful years.“
Carolyn Hughes (former Radio City employee/CHPR) said “With no formal celebrations planned for former employees for the 50th anniversary we knew we wanted to make sure that there was a celebration and an acknowledgement to the former staff for all the dedication they put into making Radio City one of the most successful independent stations in the country. We had no idea whether it would just be Molly and I, or a couple of dedicated proud former employees. When the final numbers hit the 200 tickets available we were thrilled that so many staff who worked so hard to make the station the award winning station it was were able to come together and raise a glass to 50 glorious years. The amount of love, affection, talent and genuine appreciation in the room on Friday evening was testament to the amazing team who built the Radio City legacy. ”
Many of the stations former sports presenters were present, most of whom have gone on to work for BBC, Sky and international channels, whilst many former presenters have enjoyed illustrious radio and TV careers.
The evening was a joyous occasion and an opportunity for old colleagues to reacquaint and for newer employees to meet those from previous decades. It was also an opportunity to raise a glass to founder Terry Smith, who passed away three years ago, without whom Radio City would have remained a dream.
Former employee Al Stirling has created a nostalgic website for former employees to mark the occasion www.radiocityis50.co.uk and access imagery and video footage from the celebration.
Cheers to Radio City for 50 glorious years and to every single employee who played their part in making it a local, regional, national and international success, without every single one of them the amazing journey would not have been impossible!
