Music / radio

Two Bristol radio stations rebrand to Hits Radio

By Bristol24/7  Tuesday Jul 27, 2021

Fire Radio and Sam FM from Bristol is merging with Bauer’s Bournemouth to create a brand new radio station.

Sam FM, which currently has its own local daytime presenters including Kam Kelly, Mark Franklin and Downsy, will take the network shows outside of Drive.

Downsy also presents Bristol24/7’s Behind The Headlines podcast with Editor Martin Booth.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

The merged radio station, Hits Radio, will continue to play local news, information, traffic and travel.

“Hits Radio’s journey has been building steadily over the last couple of years, and we’re incredibly happy to now be able to extend its reach to more of our listeners in the South of England,” said Graham Bryce.

“Led by the now ARIA award-winning Fleur East at breakfast Hits Radio offers listeners an entertaining and fun escape, with original, authentic presenters who share their interests and values.”

“Sam FM’s Kam Kelly, Mark Franklin and Downsy have all made fantastic contributions during their time at the station, and as they broadcast their final shows over the next few weeks, I’d like to wish them all the very best.”

The new station will be live from September 6.

Main photo: Hits Radio

Read more: Bristol24/7’s Behind The Headlines Podcast launches with local elections special

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning