BBC Three Counties Radio

BBC Three Counties Radio is a local radio station run by the BBC's local radio station. It serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. People can listen to it on the radio using FM or DAB, watch it on digital TV, or stream it using BBC Sounds. The station has studios in Grove Park, Dunstable.

As of December 2023, about 125,000 people listen to the station each week. This makes up about 5.8% of all radio listeners in the area, according to RAJAR. The station offers news, music, and other programs for local communities.

History

BBC Radio Bedfordshire (1985–1993)

The station started as "Radio Bedfordshire" on June 24, 1985. It covered all of Bedfordshire and parts of Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. Towns like Bedford, Luton, and Dunstable were included. In 1992, it was renamed "BBC Radio Bedfordshire with Herts and Bucks."

BBC Three Counties Radio (1993–present)

On April 5, 1993, the station changed its name to BBC Three Counties Radio. The new name showed it served three counties equally. The station added more equipment and staff for Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. In late 2005, new transmitters helped it reach more towns in Hertfordshire.

The station began broadcasting on DAB radio on February 14, 2013. In June 2015, it moved from Luton to new studios in Dunstable. In 2025, the station will celebrate 40 years since it first started.

Programming

BBC Three Counties Radio makes local shows from its studios in Dunstable on weekdays from 6 am to 2 pm. From 2 pm to 10 pm on weekdays, the station shows programs from the BBC East region. On Saturdays, it shares BBC East shows from 6 am to 10 pm. Sundays have shared BBC East shows from 6 am to 6 pm. During other times, like late at night or early morning, the station plays programs shared across all of England.

Presenters

Notable current presenters

• Andy Collins hosts the weekday breakfast show.
• Jonathan Vernon-Smith presents the JVS show daily, which includes help with consumer issues, music, and popular topics.

Notable past presenters

• Nana Akua
• Jon Gaunt
• Tony Hadley
• Iain Lee
• Gordon Astley
• Nick Lawrence (former Breakfast Show presenter, ex-Chiltern FM)
• John Radford
• Stephen Rhodes (former breakfast / consumer show presenter)
• Dave Lee Travis (former Sunday morning presenter)