Radio station teams up with Latics

OLDHAM’S revamped radio station has agreed a sponsorship deal with Latics that makers it the football club’s official broadcast partner.

As well as Oldham Athletic receiving a comprehensive advertising package, 96.2 The Revolution will be throwing its weight behind the campaign to boost crowds at Boundary Park as John Sheridan’s team push for promotion.

The Revolution will be broadcasting all the latest news and information from Boundary Park as well as running a regular competition to win tickets for home games.

Officials on both sides of the deal are confident it will be a big success.

The Revolution’s station manager, John Evington, said: “As Oldham’s local radio station it’s important that we reflect the tastes and interests of the borough in our programming.

“Since its relaunch in September, we have seen a tremendous increase in listeners and this will mean we can get our message across to thousands of potential fans.”

“Latics have always held a special place in the hearts of Oldhamers and I’m delighted to see our two organisations come together at this exciting time.”

Athletic’s chief executive, Alan Hardy, said: “There are big things happening at 96.2 The Revolution and there are big things happening at Boundary Park.

“The partnership with The Revolution can only be good for both organisations.”

The station, which is based at the Sarah Moor Studios, Henshaw Street, was purchased by TV and radio personality Steve Penk from UKRD and Oldham Evening Chronicle owner Hirst, Kidd and Rennie in September.

Manchester-born Mr Penk made his name at city centre station Key 103, and worked at Capital Radio and Virgin, as well as presenting the television programmes “TV Nightmares” and “TV’s Naughtiest Blunders”.

Latest listening figures show a 12 per cent increase in the number of people tuning in, but they only cover a period to shortly before Mr Penk took charge.

There had already been a change in format before he arrived — from local alternative music to more mainstream pop and classic hits.

He is hosting the flagship weekday breakfast show himself — complete with his hallmark wind-up telephone calls. And old friend James H Reeve has taken over on sport.