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End of an Era: The Popular Music Show Bids Farewell After 46 Years on Air
Liverpool’s airwaves have fallen silent with the conclusion of the long-running alternative music show, The Popular Music Show, after an impressive 46-year broadcast history. The programme, a staple for alternative music enthusiasts, aired its final episode on BBC Radio Merseyside, marking the end of an era for the show which first launched in 1977. Since 1982, the programme has been expertly guided by Roger Hill, who presented the Friday 9pm slot.
A Legacy in Local Radio
The Popular Music Show (PMS) holds the distinction of being the UK’s longest-running alternative music radio show on local radio, celebrated for its remarkably diverse musical selection. Despite its celebrated history, PMS broadcast its concluding show on Sunday, March 30, citing difficulties in cultivating a consistent listenership at Svara Radio, its broadcasting home for the past year. In a statement, the PMS team expressed gratitude to Svara Radio for their support. However, they also acknowledged the considerable obstacles encountered within a competitive radio landscape, particularly the lack of effective promotional opportunities, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
Challenges in a Competitive Radio Market
The official statement from The Popular Music Show team detailed the rationale behind the decision to conclude the programme:
- “Following a year with Svara Radio, where we received considerable support, we express our sincere thanks. However, we faced challenges in attracting an audience commensurate with the quality of our radio programming.”
- “In today’s saturated radio market, we lacked adequate channels to promote our show and have exhausted avenues for alternative broadcast platforms.”
- “To prevent the complete exhaustion of ‘the longest-running alternative music programme on UK radio,’ we believe concluding the show is the most prudent course of action. While we will not actively seek new platforms for PMS, we remain open to considering proposals for its future.”
Website to Preserve Show Highlights
Fans wishing to revisit memorable moments from the programme can still access the PMS website. The site will remain online, providing links to an archive of the show’s most significant highlights and memorable broadcasts.
Reflecting on a Rich Broadcasting History
The dedicated team behind The Popular Music Show conveyed their satisfaction with the programme’s cultural impact over the decades. “We hope that the programme’s legacy over these many years has contributed to enabling the diverse landscape of contemporary music radio broadcasting,” they stated.
Acknowledging their loyal listeners, they added: “Thank you to everyone who tuned in to and engaged with the programme throughout its run. We cherish many wonderful memories and feel a sense of pride in what we accomplished with the opportunity to broadcast the best alternative music to the most receptive audience.”
Roger Hill’s Lifetime Achievement
Roger Hill’s central role in the success of The Popular Music Show was previously recognised in 2012 when he received a Lifetime Achievement award at the Liverpool Music Awards, celebrating his contribution to alternative music broadcasting.
The Final Broadcast
The final edition of The Popular Music Show featured not only Roger Hill, but also Rory Ballantyne, Karen Timms, and George Maund from the BBC Radio Merseyside team. The presenters curated a diverse playlist spanning various alternative music genres, incorporating listener requests into their farewell broadcast.
Listener Tributes and Farewell Messages
Social media platforms became a conduit for tributes as listeners expressed their farewells to the beloved radio show. Messages of appreciation poured in from long-time fans:
- Graham shared his sentiments: “All the best to our hero Roger. I’ve listened at various points in my life, especially when I needed the inspiration of your spirit to remind me to keep fighting. The music you played encouraged me to explore the alternative. Go out with a bang! Xxx”
- James echoed this appreciation, stating: “Thank you for the music and for allowing me to share some of my tracks all those years ago. Wishing you good luck in the future.”
- Christine added her voice: “Thank you, Roger, for your dedication to the decks and the airwaves; it has been truly appreciated. Big Love fella.”