The Early Years: From Pennine to The Pulse
The story begins not with a pulse, but with a Pennine. Launched in 1975, the Bradford-based Pennine Radio was our area's first taste of truly local commercial radio. It quickly became a household name, expanding in 1984 to cover Kirklees and Calderdale, uniting the western half of the county under a single voice.
The late 80s were a time of great change. As part of the Yorkshire Radio Network alongside giants like Hallam FM, the station experimented with its identity, becoming Pennine FM as its AM frequency was used for the Classic Gold service. But a new decade demanded a new energy.
August 30th, 1991: An Icon is Born
To revive flagging fortunes and reconnect with its audience, Pennine FM was completely rebranded. On that day, The Pulse was born. It wasn't just a new name; it was a new promise—a station that truly reflected the energy, attitude, and passion of West Yorkshire. This was the era many of you remember, the start of a local legend.
Riding the Waves: A #1 Station Through Changing Tides
The Pulse quickly captured the hearts of listeners. In 1996, a management buyout saw the station, for a time, return to local ownership, solidifying its place as the #1 commercial station in West Yorkshire. It was a testament to the power of local radio, run by people who lived and breathed the area they served.
Over the next two decades, ownership would change hands many times—from The Wireless Group to UTV and eventually News UK. Yet through it all, the brand of Pulse 1 remained a constant, a familiar friend on the dial, a source of local news, chat, and the biggest hits.
The End of an Era: The Loss of a Local Voice
In February 2019, another chapter began as media giant Bauer acquired Pulse 1. The changes came swiftly.
The final blow came on June 6th, 2025. This was the date the last truly local weekday programme, the West Yorkshire breakfast show, was broadcast. From that day forward, the voice you woke up to was a national one.
While local news snippets remained, the heart, soul, and personality of a truly local station were gone. West Yorkshire had lost its Pulse.
Today: The Pulse is Back. And It's Here to Stay.
We believe West Yorkshire deserves its own radio station back. A station that isn't just a pin on a corporate map, but one that is about you, for you, and from here. That’s why we created the new Pulse. Born from the ashes of a local legend, we are reviving the spirit, the energy, and the local pride that made the original so special. We are independent, passionate, and dedicated to serving the community that was left behind.
Meet Your New Stations:
To properly honour the legacy and serve our audience, we've launched two distinct stations under the iconic Pulse brand:
- Pulse 1: This is the direct revival of the station you loved. We're bringing back the focus on the ultimate throwback experience, with non-stop 80s & 90s hits. It’s the music, the memories, and the true local vibe you miss.
- Pulse 2: For the timeless classics. Pulse 2 is dedicated to the greatest hits from the 60s & 70s. From Motown to iconic rock, it's the golden age of music, broadcasting right here across Yorkshire.
Broadcasting Across All of Yorkshire
We are proud to serve every corner of this incredible region. Find your town, city, or village below.