Great North Radio

Great North Radio or G.N.R as it was sometimes called was formed in March 1989 using the AM frequencies of Metro Radio and Radio Tees . This happened after the Metro Radio group decided to split the FM and AM frequencies up.

Programming

GNR's output consisted of a very wide range of mellow music from the 1950s through to the 1980s, with the strapline "40 Years of Hits". It was never intended to be an Oldies station, as it played current hits that fitted the format.

The station was set up by Programme Controller Roy Leonard, with Roger Kennedy as Senior Presenter (and Breakfast Show presenter). The original weekday line up also included Steve Phillips, Ray Daniels, John Darren, Tony Adams and Freddie Allen.

There were also specialist programmes each evening and at the weekend:

• Friday Night Country Crowd with Brian Clough.
• The Folk Show with Jed Grimes.
• Memories with Peter Hetherington.
• In Classical Mood with Laurie Giles.
• The Sound Of Beautiful Music (orchestral and easy listening music) Saturday 7-10pm with Ray Anderson.
• Down At The Diner (Rock 'N Roll) Saturdays at 1pm.
• Saviles Travels with Jimmy Savile.
• The Great North Gameshow Friday/Saturday 10pm with Dave Porter.
• Solid Gold Music Show with David Hamilton.
• Songs For a New Day (Inspirational and easy listening music) Sundays at 6am with Rev. Joe Poulter.
• The Album Chart Sunday 3pm with Steve Phillips.

Branding

The station used slogans "40 Years of Hits", "Classic Songs, All-Time Hits" and "You've Got a Lifetime of Music" within its on air station idents. These jingle were produced by Alfasound in Sale, Greater Manchester. The package was later re-sung for Great Yorkshire Radio, GNR's sister station.

The station now broadcasts as Magic 1152 and Magic 1170.

Presenters