BOB fm (Hertfordshire)

In October 1998, following seven years of lobbying of the Radio Authority Radio Hertford was granted a Restricted Service Licence to broadcast for a two-week period to Hertford and surrounding areas.{{cite news|url=http://www.hertford.net/issues/licence_awarded.htm|title=Local Radio: Licence Awarded to HertBeat|date=11 March 2000|newspaper=Hertford.net|accessdate=16 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828140328/http://www.hertford.net/issues/licence_awarded.htm|archive-date=28 August 2008|url-status=dead}}

The Radio Authority then invited applications to apply for a long-term Hertford licence. The Radio Hertford consortium submitted a bid to broadcast as Hertbeat FM{{cite news|url=http://www.hertford.net/issues/millback.htm|title=Millionaire Backs Hertbeat|date=19 June 1999|newspaper=Hertford.net|accessdate=16 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828135423/http://www.hertford.net/issues/millback.htm|archive-date=28 August 2008|url-status=dead}} competing with a rival entrant, Stag FM, backed by The Daily Mail Radio Group.{{cite news|url=http://www.hertford.net/issues/stagbid.htm|title=Stag FM Launches Rival Bid|date=12 June 1999|newspaper=Hertford.net|accessdate=16 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014071203/http://www.hertford.net/issues/stagbid.htm|archive-date=14 October 2008|url-status=dead}} Citing Radio Hertford's lobbying of the Radio Authority, trial broadcast and emphasis on local content, the HertBeat FM bid was awarded a licence in February 2000. The station proposed "an imaginative, music-led service, targeted at discerning 25 to 54-year olds, with intelligent speech that emphasises local news and information."{{cite web|url=http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/rau/newsroom/news-release/00/pr032.htm|title=Radio Authority Publishes Assessment of Hertford Licence Award|publisher=Radio Authority|accessdate=16 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archive/rau/newsroom/news-release/00/pr023.htm|title=Radio Authority Awards New Local Licence for Hertford to HertBeat FM|publisher=Radio Authority|accessdate=16 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hertbeat.com/news1.htm|title=Celebrating The Result!|publisher=HertBeat|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010217121534/http://www.hertbeat.com/news1.htm|archivedate=17 February 2001|url-status=dead|accessdate=16 March 2014}}

The Old Pump House at Knebworth Park was converted into radio studios and production offices.{{cite news|url=http://www.hertford.net/issues/building_starts.htm|title=Local Radio: Building Starts|date=18 July 2000|newspaper=Hertford.net|accessdate=16 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014065125/http://www.hertford.net/issues/building_starts.htm|archive-date=14 October 2008|url-status=dead}} Broadcasting commenced on 3 March 2001 with the inaugural show presented by Robbie Owen, founder and a director of the company, his shows continued throughout the life of the station and on for a period under the new management along with Steve Folland, also amongst the original lineup who continued presenting at the station until November 2013. Other programmes included The Ultimate 80's which was presented by Nigel Cayne.

The Hertbeat FM slogan was "Broadcasting to Hatfield, Hertford, Stevenage, Ware and Welwyn Garden City this is 1067 &9 Hertbeat FM".

July 2005 saw Hertbeat FM owner Radio Hertford (Commercial) acquired by Shadow Radio Holdings, led by Brett Harley, resulting in a change of directors.{{cite web|url=http://radiotoday.co.uk/2005/07/new-owner-for-hertbeat-fm/|title=New Owner for HertBeat FM|publisher=Radio Today|accessdate=16 March 2014}}

The station continued offering locally oriented content, music and request shows using a roster of presenters through the day and night.

On 10 May 2010 HertBeat abruptly rebranded as Jack FM – at that time the third Jack FM licensee operating in the UK.{{cite news|url=http://www.whtimes.co.uk/news/goodbye_hertbeat_hello_jack_fm_1_295938|title=Goodbye Hertbeat... hello Jack FM!|date=10 May 2010|newspaper=Welwyn Hatfield Times|accessdate=16 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.jack.fm/news/jackfm-launches-hertfordshire|title=Jack FM Launches in Hertfordshire|publisher=Jack FM/SparkNet Communications|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316005553/http://www.jack.fm/news/jackfm-launches-hertfordshire|archive-date=16 March 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=15 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://radiotoday.co.uk/2010/05/hertbeat-stops-as-jack-spreads/|title=hertbeat stops as JACK spreads|publisher=Radio Today|accessdate=15 March 2014}} Amongst the reasons for terminating HertBeat was confusion with encroaching rival network Heart.

The Jack format was mostly automated, initially only "Jack's Breakfast" with Steve Folland surviving as a presenter-led show but later complemented with a Saturday "Interactive Brunch" topical news show presented by newsreader Chris Hubbard and a Sunday "All Eighties" music show with Brett Harley. The rest of the schedule included music, snippets from "Jack's Breakfast", news and other local content.

In common with the other UK Jack stations many links between segments were provided by the acerbic Voice of Jack, Paul Darrow, recorded at Jack FM Oxfordshire, often tailored for the local audience.{{cite web|url=http://audioboo.fm/boos/1966847-the-radio-today-programme-march-5th-2014|title=The Radio Today Programme March 5th 2014|publisher=Radio Today|accessdate=15 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://radiotoday.co.uk/2011/06/feature-is-jack-the-future/|title=Is JACK fm the future of radio?|publisher=Radio Today|accessdate=15 March 2014}}{{cite web |title=Paul Darrow obituary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/jun/06/paul-darrow-obituary |website=The Guardian|date=6 June 2019}} Unlike HertBeat, Jack FM rejected listener's requests, a stance reinforced by the brand slogan, "Playing what we want".

In November 2013, as the Jack FM period drew to a close Steve Folland departed the station, replaced by industry veteran Graham Mack.

The station's preparations to broadcast using DAB in addition to FM, triggered another rebranding due to lack of exclusivity of the Jack FM moniker on the DAB multiplex and potential clashes with the growing number of stations then operating as Jack FM franchises.

From January to March 2014 listeners were encouraged to suggest new names for the station. Unlike the sudden transformation to Jack FM, the plan to rename the station was trailed extensively.

The rebranding was announced on 10 March 2014. The final song played by the station as Jack FM Hertfordshire was "Things Can Only Get Better" by D:Ream, airing shortly before 0800.

At 0808 the station was transformed into BOB fm. The inaugural song was "Hit the Road Jack" by Ray Charles.

The station emulated Jack FM's automated format, with links and catchphrase "Turn your knob to BOB", provided by Voice of BOB, Jim McCabe.{{cite web|url=http://www.voiceofjim.com/home.html|title=Voice of Bob fm, Jim McCabe|website=Voice of Jim|accessdate=10 April 2019}}

There was no connection to other broadcasters operating as Bob FM outside the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=http://radiotoday.co.uk/2014/03/jack-fm-hertfordshire-rebrands-as-bob-fm/|title=JACK fm Hertfordshire rebrands as BOB fm|accessdate=13 March 2014}}

BOB fm's DAB service ceased in August 2018.{{cite tweet|number=1032792958662320129|user=WohnortDAB|title=On the local ensemble Herts Beds Bucks, the service BOB HomeCounties has ceased. Snapshot updated. |date=24 August 2018}}

In April 2019, Shadow Radio Holdings was purchased by Communicorp.{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/03551296/filing-history|title=Radio Hertford (Commercial) Limited|website=Companies House|accessdate=9 April 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/05479300/filing-history|title=Shadow Radio Holdings Limited|website=Companies House|accessdate=6 April 2019}}

Earlier in the year Communicorp had acquired Watford-based Heart Hertfordshire, which broadcasts in south Hertfordshire, from Adventure Radio.{{cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/02/connect-fm-and-heart-herts-sold-by-adventure-radio/|title=Connect FM and Heart Herts sold by Adventure Radio|date=7 February 2019|website=Radio Today|accessdate=6 April 2019}} The takeover of BOB fm allowed Heart Hertfordshire to extend its reach throughout the county.{{cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/04/communicorp-buys-bob-fm-to-rebrand-as-heart/|title=Communicorp buys Bob FM to rebrand as Heart|date=4 April 2019|website=Radio Today|accessdate=6 April 2019}} A transition began in May with Heart-style jingles, slogans and music interspersed amongst its output. Frequent trailers proclaimed "Heart is coming."

On 31 May 2019, the final live presented show, "BOB's Breakfast" with Brett Harley and Chris Hubbard ended with "Are You with Me" by Lost Frequencies. BOB fm ceased broadcasting at 4pm, handing over to Heart Hertfordshire for the station's drivetime show from Watford. The closure of BOB fm coincided with programming changes across the wider Heart radio network.{{Cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/05/heart-presenters-start-saying-goodbye-to-listeners/|title=Heart presenters start saying goodbye to listeners|date=19 May 2019|website=Radio Today|access-date=26 May 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/05/heart-drivetime-show-presenters-announced-by-global/|title=Heart drivetime show presenters announced by Global|date=20 May 2019|access-date=26 May 2019}} The station still retains local news, traffic updates and advertising - with Chris Hubbard continuing to head up the station's Breakfast News.

• In 2006 Hertbeat ran advertisements for Stevenage Borough Council during an election period that media regulator Ofcom determined breached rules regarding political content.{{cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2006/08/hertbeat-ads-breach-ofcom-rules/|title=Hertbeat ads breach Ofcom rules|date=7 August 2006|website=Radio Today|accessdate=6 April 2019}}
• During the 2014 Scottish independence referendum a publicity stunt, involving an on-air rant against Scots and a ban on Scottish music by presenter Graham Mack prompted almost 50 complaints to Ofcom.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/mediamonkeyblog/2014/sep/18/english-local-radio-station-bob-fm-ofcom-scottish|title=English local radio station tries – and fails – to get away Scot free|date=18 September 2014|website=The Guardian|accessdate=6 April 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2014/09/bob-fm-bans-all-scots-calls-them-tossers/|title=BOB fm bans all Scots, calls them Tossers|date=10 September 2014|website=Radio Today|accessdate=6 April 2019}} Ofcom determined the complaints did not warrant investigation.{{cite news|url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/45965/obb264.pdf|title=Ofcom Broadcast Bulletin|date=20 October 2014|accessdate=6 April 2019|publisher=Ofcom|issue=264|page=52}}
• A lively conversation in May 2018 between a caller and Graham Mack regarding a local speed camera patrol was reported to Ofcom. The investigation deemed the broadcast to be in breach of rules regarding potential to cause offence.{{cite news|url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/119162/issue-360-ofcom-broadcast-on-demand-bulletin.pdf|title=Ofcom Broadcast and on Demand Bulletin|date=28 August 2018|accessdate=6 April 2019|publisher=Ofcom|issue=360|page=28}}{{cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2018/08/bob-fm-in-breach-for-aggressive-speed-camera-rant/|title=Bob FM in breach for aggressive speed camera rant|date=28 August 2018|website=Radio Today|accessdate=6 April 2019}} Graham Mack departed the station during July 2018 shortly before the Ofcom adjudication in August to become Programme Director at London-based Fix Radio.{{cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2018/07/graham-mack-goes-from-bob-fm-to-fix-radio/|title=Graham Mack goes from Bob FM to Fix Radio|accessdate=19 July 2018}} Brett Harley replaced Graham Mack as host of BOB's Breakfast.

Graham Mack won "Best Radio Personality" Finalist at the New York Festivals International Radio Awards in 2017. BOB fm developed a reputation for the quality of its local news, under the leadership of News Editor Chris Hubbard. Chris Hubbard won "Newsreader of the Year" at the Independent Radio News (IRN) Awards, having previously been twice shortlisted.{{cite web|url=http://www.irnawards.co.uk/2017-winners.html|title=Winners 2016|website=IRN News Awards|accessdate=7 April 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.irnawards.co.uk/2015-winners.html|title=Winners 2015|website=IRN News Awards|accessdate=6 April 2019}} The IRN also awarded the accolade of "News Team of the Year" to the station in 2013 and 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.irnawards.co.uk/2016-winners.html|title=2016 Winners|website=IRN News Awards|accessdate=6 April 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.irnawards.co.uk/2013-winners.html|title=2013 Winners|website=IRN News Awards|accessdate=6 April 2019}} Its journalists and reports have also been shortlisted for or won several honours.{{cite web|url=http://www.bobfm.co.uk/news/got-a-story-for-jacks-news/|title=Meet the News Team|website=BOB fm|accessdate=6 April 2019}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20190531154837/http://www.bobfm.co.uk/ BOB fm website] - Wayback Machine archive, dated 31 May 2019
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6o9zpSbzMs Excerpt of CNN interview with Brett Harley, Hertbeat FM] - YouTube
• [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClKUZkKNuuKNMM3A14HOeQg BOB fm YouTube channel archive]
• [https://www.youtube.com/user/JackFMHertfordshire/videos Jack fm YouTube channel archive]
• [https://www.youtube.com/user/hertbeatfm/videos Hertbeat FM YouTube channel archive]

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Category:Radio stations in Hertfordshire

Category:Defunct radio stations in the United Kingdom

Category:Radio stations established in 2001

Category:Radio stations disestablished in 2019

Category:Knebworth

Category:Jack FM stations