Books

KISS FM: From Radical Radio To Big Business: The Inside Story Of A London Pirate Radio Station’s Path To Success

by Grant Goddard

format: e-book + paperback 235 x 191 x 27mm
pages: 528
publisher: Radio Books
ISBN: 9780956496317
published: 1 July 2011
subjects: radio broadcasting, black music, media studies, business studies
keywords: media, broadcasting, radio, London, pirate, music, soul, dance, startup

Three stories in a single book. The first book to document the long struggle of London pirate radio for a legal black music station, started by Radio Invicta in 1970. The first book to document the transformation of KISS FM from a tiny London pirate radio station in 1985 into the UK's leading homegrown youth brand of the 1990's. The first book to reveal the inside story behind the most successful UK radio station launch of its era. 500+ pages. 1,000+ research sources.

Author Grant Goddard paints a detailed and critical account of the contemporary UK radio industry. His career in radio started in 1972 on London pirate stations, he worked in local commercial radio before co-ordinating KISS FM's winning licence application and re-launching a large team of mostly club DJ's who had little radio experience as a new legal London station that attracted more than one million listeners within six months. Readers interested in the history of black music in Britain, music radio, media start-ups and the UK government's persistent determination to stamp out pirate radio will find it informative and interesting.

Reviews:
"This is the story of how Kiss morphed from a weekend only pirate into a multi-million pound brand. Expertly written by Grant Goddard, who was the brains behind the successful application, and who quite brilliantly and against the odds got Kiss on air in London on the 1st September 1990. The background story is incredible, and detailed to the point of almost every reference is attributed to source. … It's a MUST read. … Buy this book." UrbanRadio.co.uk

"Grant Goddard is either a prodigious note-keeper, or possesses a razor-sharp memory, such is his penchant for intricate detail in this fascinating tome. … Goddard's candid and precise recollections, however, are never short of captivating, and go far beyond the routine machinations of a business. … Definitely an absorbing read for anyone with an interest in the daring days of radio, and UK black music history generally." Black Sheep

"The 500+ page tome paints a vivid picture of the dynamics of London's vibrant yet shadowy pirate radio scene, the socio-political struggles behind the station's legalization, and its effect on the evolution of commercial broadcasting in the U.K. …. This is Goddard's second book in a single year; the first wholly deconstructed the myth that digital radio represents the future of broadcasting. Both are recommended reading." DIYmedia.net

"This remains not only the definitive text but also a fast paced well written insightful read with important lessons on how not to set up a business, especially a radio station. It is also, in many ways, a very sad book as it shows the genuine commitment people can give to a cause who can then only watch powerless as their dreams crash and burn, destroyed by the actions of others." Community Media Association

DAB Digital Radio: Licensed To Fail

by Grant Goddard

format: paperback 297 x 210 x 17 mm
pages: 316
publisher: Radio Books
ISBN: 9780956496300
published: 1 October 2010
subjects: radio broadcasting, digital media, media studies
keywords: media, broadcasting, Britain, radio, transmission, digital, analogue

“Digital radio switchover is unlikely to ever happen in the UK” writes radio specialist Grant Goddard. His book offers a blow-by-blow chronicle of the efforts to implement ‘Digital Audio Broadcasting’ as a replacement for FM and AM radio in Britain, from the deliberations of the Digital Radio Working Group in 2008 to the legislation of the Digital Economy Act during the final days of the Labour government in 2010. Goddard uncovers a secret deal struck between the government and the UK commercial radio industry to force DAB radio upon the British public. He also exposes a wealth of inaccurate and distorted information published by radio industry lobbyists as part of their campaign to convince the government and consumers that take-up of DAB radio has been a success in the UK and overseas. Whereas, the data in this book show that consumer interest in DAB radio had already started slowing down, making switchover unlikely to ever happen in the UK.