offshore radio - Radio Delta AM

The old offshore radio station Radio Laser 558 has a fascinating history that dates back to the era of pirate radio stations on the high seas. It stood out as a pioneering voice in broadcasting music from ships beyond the British territorial waters. Radio Laser 558 had strong connections with other offshore radio stations such as Radio Caroline and Radio Veronica, sharing a common goal of revolutionizing music broadcasting to reach listeners in innovative ways.

Under the revived moniker LASER558, the station makes a triumphant return as an online radio station, reiterating its commitment to be a constant source of music just a heartbeat away. Station Director, Steve Bannister, exudes enthusiasm for the special celebration commemorating the launch of LASER558 four decades ago. The original DJ lineup has come together to create fresh content, sharing untold stories and cherished memories that will be broadcast throughout the celebratory day.

Following the grand anniversary festivities on May 24th, LASER558 will unveil a fresh schedule commencing on May 25th, with five of the original DJs reclaiming the airwaves. The rekindled station primarily targets the vast audience who fondly recall the original broadcasts and caters to enthusiasts of music spanning the 60s, 70s, and 80s.

LASER558 aims to transport listeners back to the vibrant 80s era through its new programming and curated playlist, offering a seamless blend of current hits from that time and delving into the musical archives akin to the original station’s essence. As LASER558 embarks on this new chapter, Radio Delta extends its best wishes for a successful journey ahead.

Radio Delta extends heartfelt congratulations to Radio Caroline! This weekend marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic offshore radio station that revolutionized broadcasting in 1964. Join the celebration from Friday, 29th to Sunday, 31st March, live from the legendary radioship Ross Revenge. Enjoy a nostalgic journey through hits from the ’60s to the early ’90s. Radio Caroline, a beacon of musical freedom, continues to thrive despite challenges, now broadcasting from English soil. The MV Ross Revenge stands tall as a proud symbol of its illustrious past. With enhanced broadcasting capabilities, Radio Caroline now reaches an even wider audience, sharing its legacy of unique music across the airwaves and beyond.

MV Ross Revenge is the home of Radio Caroline, as well as having supported Radio Monique. She was constructed in Germany in 1960, and initially served as a commercial trawler. Following her decommissioning, she was purchased by Radio Caroline and outfitted as a radio ship, complete with 91 m antenna mast and 50 kW transmitter. Her broadcasts began on 20 August 1983. The final pirate broadcast took place in November 1990. She ran aground on the Goodwin sands in November 1991, bringing the era of offshore pirate radio in Europe to an end. She was, however, salvaged, and is now maintained by a group of supporters and enthusiasts.

The photo’s are from our personal collection.

Radio Atlantis was a Belgian-owned offshore pirate radio station, which operated in 1973 and 1974 from the coast of the Netherlands and Belgium. The station began broadcasting from the Radio Caroline Ship MV Mi Amigo. It was originally intended that programs would begin on 15 July 1973, using Mi Amigo’s 10-kilowatt transmitter on 773 kHz (388m). The station was owned by Belgian businessman van Landschoot’s. The station taped programs aimed at Flemish and Dutch audiences. They were recorded in a studio at Oostburg the Netherlands.

In October 1973, the station’s contract with Radio Caroline was terminated, following the collapse of the mast on Mi Amigo. The station acquired its own ship, naming it after van Landschoot’s wife, the MS Janine. Following three weeks of tests the station recommenced broadcasting on 30 December 1973. Both taped Flemish and mostly live English programmes were broadcast until the station was forced off the air by the Dutch Marine Offences Act. Radio Atlantis closed on the evening of 31 August 1974, the day before the act came into force.

On this page you can find photo’s from our personal collection:

The MS Janine
The MS Janine in Vlissingen harbour september 1974
Studio 2
Fred van den Bos (DJ) | van den Bos is weer los
Theo van de Velde
Luk van Kapellen (DJ) | Luc brengt u van uw stuk
Victor van Rein (DJ)

Since Radio Mi Amigo had closed suddenly in October 1978 the new ship finally appeared on the North Sea anchoring in various locations in mid-June 1979 and finally ending up in a position near the Thornton Bank, off the coast of Belgium.

Test broadcasts of continuous music, with occasional Radio Mi Amigo ID announcements, started on 25th June 1979 and continued for three days. After a further two days od silence, tests started again on 1ste July 1979.

Below you can find photo’s from our personal collection.

LASER 558 Revival: Nostalgia Reignited

Congratulations to Radio Caroline

Unique photo’s of our private collection: MV Ross Revenge offshore Radio Ship

Unique photo’s of our private collection: Radio Atlantis

Unique photo’s of our private collection: Radio ship Magdalena