Shire Sounds Radio, a local radio staple in North Northamptonshire, proudly announces “Northants 1” arriving May 27th. With this transformation comes a fresh identity and an unwavering commitment to being Northamptonshire’s own local hit music radio station.
The rebrand signifies a key commitment to local broadcasting, and its dedication to delivering top-tier local entertainment, community representation and engagement. With an emphasis on playing Hit Music for Northamptonshire, Northants 1 promises to continue providing quality programming made for its growing local audience.
Our key commitments remain in line with what we have always believed in. Northants 1 is set to continue the pioneering training initiative, now known as the Northants 1 Academy. This ground-breaking program offers secondary school students from across Northamptonshire a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of radio broadcasting. Over a 12-week training course, aspiring young broadcasters receive comprehensive instruction in the fundamentals of radio production, along with a look into the wider media industry, nurturing the next generation of talent in the industry.
Northants 1 is arriving, fresh with a revamped Weekday lineup, with presenters you already know and love. Charlie Stone wakes up Northamptonshire from 7am with the all-new Northants 1 Breakfast, with Megan Arnold carrying us all through the workday from 11am and the new Northants 1 Homerun with Andrew Haslam from 3pm, including our beloved hour of “Throwbacks at Three”. The trio promise to entertain, inform and get you dancing with a mix of chart-topping hits and some tunes you used to love!
The station’s music selection reflects its diverse audience, blending contemporary chart-toppers with iconic throwbacks spanning back to the 90s. From pop anthems to indie gems and alternative hits, Northants 1 offers a curated musical experience that resonates with all tastes. Additionally, evenings on Northants 1 will feature a broader range of genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Rounding off every weekend, Northants 1 welcomes Chris Brooks back to the radio in Northamptonshire, with the biggest songs on the radio right now, on the UK Hot 40! Our brand-new chart show, Sundays from 4pm. With his infectious energy and unparalleled expertise, Chris promises to deliver an electrifying countdown experience that keeps you hooked every week.
Behind the scenes, Northants 1 is run by a dedicatedso team of local volunteers determined to bring a local voice back to the radio in Northamptonshire. As part of this Northants 1 would love to work with you. The station is offering pre-launch discounts for all local businesses who support Northants 1. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to seniorteam@northants1.co.uk for advertising and sponsorship enquiries.
Northants 1 is arriving, Monday 27th May at 7am.
Here is what our team had to say;
Andrew Haslam – Director of Music and Programme
I’m proud to have joined the directorship of this exciting local project. Local Media is more important than ever, and so far, I’ve dedicated my career to that fact. More important than ever for local people, who in a changing media landscape are being left without local voices as networking increases and budgets tighten for the big broadcasters. Local media is more important than ever for local businesses, who are feeling the pinch, no longer given an accessible platform to promote their business locally. That’s why I’m dedicated to building Northants 1 up as Northamptonshire’s very own, locally owned, local radio station. Local Radio, owned by Local People, for Local People. This is Northants 1.
Charlie Stone – Director of Operations
Since starting this journey in April 2019, we’ve had nothing but success after success with the help of many past & present team members, I am very excited to be leading the team & this change forward, and I am excited for what’s to come for local media in North Northamptonshire. Local radio, music & people has always been a thing to make me keep going ever since I discovered Chris Moyles on the Radio 1 Breakfast Show and I am so happy that I get to combine all of those thing I love every day.
Megan Arnold – Midday’s on Northants 1
Local radio has always been a passion of mine. Brining communities together, giving people the opportunity to have a platform to get their voice heard, to share amazing projects and events or to have someone to listen to so they feel less alone. This is why I am thrilled to be sharing my weekday daytimes with you, so if you’re grinding away at the office, tackling household chores, or simply enjoying the day out, I’ve got your back with an awesome line-up of fantastic music, lively chats, and some exciting competitions for you to get involved with.
Eli Dell – Presenter of The Northants 1 Indie Alt
I love local radio as it gives us a better chance to connect with the listeners. I’m super excited for this rebrand as it makes it more enjoyable for everyone, and brings some change to make us ‘not your average station.’ It will also make it easier for people to enjoy the music & learn about the community.
