Max FM returns with original presenters for one-week broadcast reunion

Max FM, a temporary radio station in Southampton during the 90s, is coming back for its 30th anniversary.

The revival marks 30 years since it first launched on 4 July 1995 as a campaign to bring a permanent FM station to the city.

The station originally broadcast under a 28-day Restricted Service Licence and went on to run a full-time cable radio service from Southampton, with a rotating lineup of presenters and more RSLs over the following three years.

Although the bid for a full-time FM licence was ultimately unsuccessful, the team behind Max FM went on to careers across commercial and BBC radio.

Now, many of those original presenters will return for a one-week internet-only broadcast from 30 June to 6 July. Listeners can tune in via www.maxfmonline.co.uk or ask their smart speaker to “play Max FM”.

Names returning to Max FM for the anniversary week include Pat Sissons, Craig Hicks, Lee Moulsdale, Martin Starke, Simon Bennett, Chris Rose, Darren Short, Rob Stevens and Scott Mills.

The temporary station will play music from the 70s, 80s and 90s in a style similar to the original Max FM format.

The organisers describe it as “a blast from the past” and say the original team are looking forward to coming together to mark what was a significant moment in local radio history.

The station’s bid for a permanent FM licence lost out to South City Radio in 1998.

Max FM schedule

Monday 30th June to Thursday 3rd July

07.00 Craig Hicks
10.00 Darren Shortt
13.00 Paul Morris
16.00 Lee Moulsdale
19.00 Chris Rose
22.00 Paul (The Master) Anthony

Friday 4 th July
07.00 Craig Hicks
10.00 Darren Shortt
13.00 Paul Morris
16.00 Lee Moulsdale
19.00 Rob Stevens
22.00 Nick Carroll – Late Night Nick

Saturday 5 th July
07.00 John Ellery
10.00 Pat Sissons
13.00 Paul James
16.00 Simon Bennett
19.00 Rob Stevens
22.00 Nick Carroll – Late Night Nick

Sunday 6 th July
07.00 John Ellery
10.00 Pat Sissons
13.00 Simon Bennett
16.00 Simon Bennett
19.00 Rob Stevens
22.00 Nick Carroll – Late Night Nick