Hits Radio Liverpool is departing the city’s skyline from the famous Radio City Tower, ending a 25-year chapter.
- After a fruitful 25-year residency, Hits Radio Liverpool will vacate the iconic St John’s Beacon, commonly known as Radio City Tower.
- Bauer Media Audio UK has decided not to extend its lease for the rooftop studio, which stands prominently at 453 feet.
- Listeners can anticipate the final broadcast from this iconic location on December 24, before programming moves to a different city venue.
- The Liverpool community broadcaster has clarified via social media that it has no plans to move into the tower.
Hits Radio Liverpool, which has been part of the city’s skyline for a generation, will soon bid farewell to its home atop Radio City Tower. The station, formerly known as Radio City, has been broadcasting from St John’s Beacon since the early 2000s after a significant refurbishment by Emap Radio, its then-owner, costing around £5 million.
Bauer Media Audio UK, the current proprietor, has opted not to renew the lease for this unique broadcasting site. St John’s Beacon, a Grade II-listed structure, initially opened as a revolving restaurant in 1969, officially inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II. However, the restaurant ceased operations in 1979 over health and safety concerns, transforming briefly into a space-themed venue before becoming vacant for years.
In 2000, the tower was revitalised into its current role as a broadcasting hub, housing the renowned station, Radio City 96.7. It has remained a landmark, towering 453 feet over Liverpool and providing exceptional views from its observation deck. However, the station will air its final shows from this historic site on December 24.
Following the departure from the tower, Bauer Media Audio UK plans to relocate Hits Radio Liverpool’s broadcasts within the city, while Greatest Hits Radio Breakfast will transition to a national broadcast from Bauer’s North West hub. The media company is also in discussions regarding the existing Radio City 96.7 signage, exploring a potential rebranding to Hits Radio.
Amidst speculation, Liverpool Community Radio made it clear on social platforms that they aren’t eyeing a move to the tower, ensuring fans are not misled by circulating rumours.
The departure of Hits Radio Liverpool from St John’s Beacon marks the end of an era in the city’s broadcasting history, signalling a new phase for the station.
