Radio Exe and BBC Devon partner for news

BBC bulletins on commercial station during crisis

Radio Exe is thought the be the first to broadcast news bulletins from BBC local radio as the current health and economic crisis continues.

The station based in Exeter runs just one FM licence serving Exeter and surrounding area and a DAB service covering much of Devon. In common with the rest of the sector, indications are that its audience has grown during the coronavirus crisis, but its advertising revenues have dropped substantially. 

At the start of lockdown, BBC Radio Devon’s editor Mark Grinnell offered to help Radio Exe by sharing his station’s bulletins. Negotiations later took place between RadioCentre and the BBC at a national level before final permission could be granted. Radio Exe transmitted its first Radio Devon bulletins the day after this was given on Thursday 30 April.

Radio Exe’s managing director Paul Nero says: “We’re critically affected by the crisis, which has seen our key clients in tourism, hospitality and retail close. And although the government has now designated us a public sector broadcasters and our on-air team as key workers, it’s come with no specific public funding.  So Radio Devon’s initiative is as welcome as it is positive and ensures we can maintain quality local news bulletins and serve our audience. I'd like to thank the BBC and in particular Mark Grinnell at Radio Devon for supporting us with this initiative."

Mark Grinnell says:  “We know the importance of trusted news and information to our Devon audiences and wanted to help Radio Exe fulfil their commitment of providing crucial information at this difficult time.  The team at BBC Radio Devon are Making A Difference every day and the station is a community noticeboard for our audience.  This partnership is good for our audience and the media economy in the south west.”