Hospital Radio Burnley

In 2001 we attempted to break the world record for the longest broadcast by an individual. It took about six months to plan and get everything in place, the rules of the attempt were so stringent for example, the records that could be played had to be not less than two minutes and not more than six minutes in duration. The person who was attempting to break the record, could only have 15 minutes break in eight hours. the idea for this event was the brainchild of our very own Mr. Charlie Tuna. selecting the person to try and break the record was easy...Charlie Tuna suggested it...Charlie Tuna could do it.

This challenge was to boost the coffers of the station. The whole town got behind us by buying a badge of support for £1 and their name would be entered into a draw for a cash prize. Local companies were ask to sponsor the record attempt...and they did... in numbers.

On the 10th of March 2001 at 10am the challenge started, the first record played was started by the then Mayor of Burnley Councillor Mr. Rafique Malik. The challenge ended on the 13th of March 2001 at 1.02pm. The broadcast lasted 75 hrs and 2 mins. The funny thing was that as the challenge was being planned all the presenters assumed fishy or oceanic names, Barry Cuda, Rocky Shorr, Sue Shee and the Little Mermaid to name but a few. We took the record away from a presenter from Radio Ton - 103.5 FM Ternopil, Ukraine. Since then the Americans, The Australians and the Canadians have tried and have failed to break our record. The record was finally wrenched from our grasp by the Swedish (well done mate). Along the way we have gained a lot of famous friends, Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley Cropper from Corrie), Tony Berry (from the Houghton Weavers) Tony Thorpe (from the Rubettes) but with respect to these people our biggest catch has been Sir Anthony Hopkins.

Click on the poster