Sunset Radio 102 FM

Sunset launched on 22nd October 1989 as the first of a series of stations in areas which were already served by an Independent Local Radio station. Known as Incremental radio stations, they had to offer output not already available on ILR, such as specialist music or unique programmes for a specific section of the community. Sunset chose to offer a service of dance music and local community programming.

One of the station’s founders was Mike Shaft, who was Managing Director and Programme Controller. The station proved popular with listeners, but Shaft left the station in 1990 due to disagreement with some members of the Board about the direction that the station was taking.

In May 1993, the Radio Authority prematurely terminated Sunset’s licence, apparently accusing the station of providing inaccurate information about its financial and management affairs. In August 1993, the station reportedly had its transmission facilities withdrawn by NTL for non-payment. Following a brief return to the air, the liquidator was called in and the station fell silent in October 1993.