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Behind The ScenesYou are in: Devon > BBC Radio Devon > Behind The Scenes > BBC Radio Devon celebrates 25 years ![]() Some of the original team. BBC Radio Devon celebrates 25 yearsSince it went on the air 25 years ago BBC Radio Devon has made itself as much a part of the county as clotted cream or Dartmoor ponies. The line-up of entertaining programmes makes it a favourite with thousands of listeners. But how did it all begin? Taking over from a BBC Radio 4 regional service, BBC Radio Devon started broadcasting on 17 January 1983 - the same day as neighbouring station BBC Radio Cornwall and also BBC Breakfast Television took to the air. ![]() BBC Radio Devon's original 'home'. From the start, BBC Radio Devon faced an uphill struggle against the established local commercial radio stations. This wasn't helped by the fact that the Exeter studios weren't ready on that first wet and windy day in January. Presenters were forced to host their programmes from portable cabins on a building site until work on the studios was completed a few weeks later. When building was finished, the Exeter studios were opened by the then BBC Director General, Alastair Milne, on 30 September 1983. Over the past 25 years, BBC Radio Devon has built a loyal following of listeners with a distinctive mix of news, information and entertainment. ![]() John Lilley's now in charge of BBC Southwest. The station covers the entire county with reporters based in Exeter, Plymouth, Paignton (which looks after Torbay) and Barnstaple (covering North Devon). BBC Radio Devon has won several Sony Awards for its programmes, and even once featured the then American President, Ronald Reagan when it joined forces with a station in Boston, Massachusetts, one New Year's Eve. Inevitably, there have been many changes over the years: BBC Radio Devon now shares a newsroom in Plymouth with the website teams and regional TV. Despite the changes, BBC Radio Devon has kept to its policy of providing a wide range of popular programmes to serve the county it proudly bears the name of. ![]() Douglas Mounce, one of the original team. In 2005 a new FM service was launched to give the city of Plymouth its own frequency and a selection of bespoke programmes. The station now broadcasts two simultaneous breakfast shows, one for Plymouth and the other which covers news from across the whole county. Douglas Mounce and Phillip Hunt hold the accolade of being the only original presenters from 1983 who are still broadcasting on the station today, while former programme organiser John Lilley is now in charge of the BBC in the South West. last updated: 25/09/2008 at 11:38 Have Your SayWe'd love to hear your memories of listening to BBC Radio Devon over the past 25 years. Sue and Colin in London Hans-Joachim Hoffmann lynne and tony from swindon CAROL ANN Cheryl Purchase Patrick kiefer Alan D J Bowden Margaret, now in Cumbria Tracey Stephanie in Bideford Hyder Ali Pirwany kay. patricia Gary Hilary Mabon Jimmy from Up holland, West Lancashire Cookie james lee jenny Jan Stainer ann topsham Peter and Maureen Thursby Greg Allen jean Jon Harvey SEE ALSOYou are in: Devon > BBC Radio Devon > Behind The Scenes > BBC Radio Devon celebrates 25 years |
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