BBC Essex

BBC Essex is a local radio station serving the county from studios on New London Road in Chelmsford. It broadcasts on FM, DAB, digital TV and online via BBC Sounds. The station reaches 136,000 listeners each week. It began in 1986 with a livelier style and younger presenters than other BBC local stations. Over time the format became more conventional. High-profile names like Dermot O’Leary and Alex Lester have worked there. The station has also featured award-winning local DJs such as Tim ‘Timbo’ Lloyd. The strongest FM signal is 103.5 from the Great Braxted transmitter near Witham and Tiptree. A second FM signal at 95.3 covers the southern Thames Estuary. The station once used AM transmitters, now replaced by digital services. It marks Essex’s pirate radio past with special broadcasts from light vessels. These events featured presenters including Johnnie Walker and Tony Blackburn. The final pirate broadcast took place in August 2017 to mark fifty years since the Marine Offences Act. Visitors to Chelmsford can find the BBC Essex studios on New London Road. The station produces local programmes from 6 am to 6 pm on weekdays and at weekends. Off-peak shows come from London or Manchester. Late-night programmes are simulcast from BBC Radio 5 Live. The studios also host occasional public events and open days. Listeners can tune in on FM, DAB, digital TV or online. The building stands among the town’s modern and historic mix, close to shops and cafes.