Portsmouth broadcasting veterans re-launch iconic Victory radio station from yesteryear

Radio Victory could regularly be heard in Pompey households in the 1970s and 80s before broadcasting ceased in 1986.

However, a group of veteran broadcasters are looking to capture the ‘nostalgic feel’ of the original station with the launch of Victory Online.

The new station will be aired on the internet and can also be accessed using a new app and smart speakers.

The rebirth of the much-loved station has been pioneered by Bob Bruce and Phil Reed who were popular presenters on the original station.

Bob said: ‘Victory Online has been under construction for many months and has been broadcasting to a small select audience with test transmissions to make sure that technically and on the presenting side it was a professional product.

‘We have been busy behind the scenes and inundated with positive encouragement from hundreds of listeners on our test transmissions and have hit the road running, so it’s full speed ahead with some familiar names who are no strangers to the airwaves of Portsmouth.’

Victory has welcomed back presenter Neil Crespin who hosted the breakfast show when it was last broadcast from the station’s original Fratton Road studio.

Other returning presenters includes Chrissie Pollard, Chris Ryder, Kevin Huffer and Natalie Shaw.

In keeping with the retro feel, the station will look to play music from the 1950s to 1990s and will focus on stories focused on Portsmouth.

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Phil added: ‘Radio today is becoming the domain of big groups with studios in London and Manchester and the local element is dismissed, but it’s that local element that we are building on.

‘Our presenters talk about the area our listeners live in. Our news, our sport, our weather, our features will bring familiarity and localness back to Portsmouth.’

Trial broadcasts of the station began last month and the DJs are pleased with the public’s response.

Bob added: ‘Our listener numbers are astonishing and our social media traction is immense.

‘When I hatched the plan to bring back this iconic broadcast style under the Victory banner I really was very confident that Portsmouth people wanted Victory back, however the actual result is beyond our wildest dreams.’

Broadcasts can be heard via victoryonline.co.uk or the station’s radio mobile app.

Mark Samways was set to be manager of Victory Online but sadly passed away before the new station went to air.

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