Spectrum Radio

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}}

{{Use British English|date=May 2015}}

{{Infobox radio station

| name = The Spectrum Radio Network

| area = Greater London

| frequency = DAB{{cite web|url=http://www.spectrumradio.net/how-to-listen|title=How to listen|accessdate=12 February 2019|archive-date=13 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213005841/http://www.spectrumradio.net/how-to-listen|url-status=live}}

| airdate = 1990 - 2021

| format = Multi Language Speech and Music

| owner = Spectrum Radio Group

| city = London

| website = {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230110852/http://www.spectrumradio.net/ |date=December 30, 2018 |title=The Spectrum Radio Network official site }}

}}

Spectrum Radio was a multi-ethnic radio network based in London. It catered to over 20 different ethnic communities, each of which were aired on the station at various times of the week.{{cite web|url=http://www.mondotimes.com/1/world/uk/142/4217/27043|title=Spectrum Radio|publisher=Mondotimes|accessdate=5 March 2012|archive-date=6 August 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240806063815/https://www.mondotimes.com/1/world/uk/142/4217/27043|url-status=live}}

Spectrum Radio was distinguished by its multiethnic, foreign language programmes, many of which had been on air since its launch in 1990.{{cite web|title=Spectrum Radio Licence Format|url=http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/radiolicensing/formats/al050-2.doc|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20080803094113/http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/radiolicensing/formats/al050-2.doc|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 August 2008|publisher=Ofcom|access-date=12 July 2013}}

The station launched as a MW-only station on 558 kHz and in its early months, the station clashed with pirate station Radio Caroline, which used the same frequency. This caused more interference to Spectrum than vice versa. Spectrum threatened to sue the Independent Broadcasting Authority, which then allowed Spectrum to temporarily broadcast on 990 kHz alongside 558 kHz. Eventually, Caroline left 558 kHz and moved to 819 kHz prior to it stopping broadcasting on 5 November 1990.{{cite web |url=http://www.offshoreechos.com/offshorethemes/1st%20&%20Last%20A-L.htm |title=First & last |publisher=Offshoreechos.com |access-date=4 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206115136/http://www.offshoreechos.com/offshorethemes/1st%20%26%20Last%20A-L.htm |archive-date=6 February 2007 }} Consequently, the temporary transmitter on 990 kHz was switched off.

In 2019, the station switched to DAB only.{{cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/02/frequency-change-request-for-love-sport-and-panjab-radio/|title=Frequency change request for Love Sport and Panjab Radio|date=11 February 2019|publisher=Radio Today|accessdate=12 February 2019|archive-date=13 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213005647/https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/02/frequency-change-request-for-love-sport-and-panjab-radio/|url-status=live}}

In 2019 the station's studio moved to a new facility on London's South Bank.{{Cite web|url = https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/spectrum-radio-network-unveils-new-london-studios|title = Spectrum Radio Network Unveils New London Studios|date = 5 September 2019|access-date = 6 August 2024|archive-date = 16 January 2024|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240116102857/https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/spectrum-radio-network-unveils-new-london-studios|url-status = live}}

In February 2020, the station was issued with a winding up order by the High Court and its broadcasting licence was therefore suspended.{{Cite web|url=https://radiotoday.co.uk/2020/02/liquidators-appointed-at-spectrum-radio-limited/|title=Liquidators appointed at Spectrum Radio Limited|date=25 February 2020|access-date=6 August 2024|archive-date=9 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109150425/https://radiotoday.co.uk/2020/02/liquidators-appointed-at-spectrum-radio-limited/|url-status=live}} The online broadcast was discontinued after the last date on 18 November 2021.