Why it matters: Radio Orwell was one of the original group of 19 Independent Local Radio stations set up after broadcasting rules were relaxed in Britain in 1972, making it a pioneering moment in Suffolk's media history.
The details: GenX Radio Suffolk will broadcast live from Electric House, Ipswich, between 09:00 and 12:00 on 28 October 2025. The James Hazell Morning Show will reunite many presenters and staff from the groundbreaking station, with Stephen (Foz) Foster, Graham Bannerman, Mark Wesley and Patrick Eade also dropping in.
Radio Orwell began transmissions from Electric House on 28 October 1975, broadcasting on 257 metres. The station quickly became an integral part of Ipswich life, known for its local news and music. A 1970s advertising jingle for the station was "When you're alone we're together".
What they're saying: James Hazell, managing director of GenX Radio Suffolk, said: "As the last ever voice on Radio Orwell, I'm proud to return to Electric House—the home of Orwell—to present a special programme marking the station's 50th anniversary. We'll reflect on the remarkable impact Radio Orwell had on Suffolk, the enduring importance of truly local radio, and how GenX Radio Suffolk—often called 'Radio Orwell 2'—is carrying that legacy forward, keeping genuine local radio alive and thriving in the county."
For context: Haart Estate Agents, which now occupies Electric House, has granted access to GenX Radio Suffolk for the broadcast. GenX Radio Suffolk is available on DAB+ across the county, online, on smart speakers and mobile devices 24 hours a day. The station is licensed by Ofcom.
The bottom line: The 50th anniversary broadcast offers former Radio Orwell listeners a chance to reconnect with the voices that shaped Suffolk's commercial radio landscape.
