DevonAir Radio – Exeter & South Devon’s Independent Local Radio Station (1980–1994)

DevonAir Radio was the Independent Local Radio (ILR) station serving Exeter, Torbay and South Devon between 1980 and 1994. Broadcasting from studios in Exeter and later Torquay, DevonAir Radio provided a unique blend of local news, information, travel updates, sport, community programming and contemporary music to listeners across the South West.

For more than fourteen years, DevonAir Radio played an important role in the daily lives of thousands of people throughout Exeter, East Devon, Torbay, Teignbridge and South Devon. The station was known for its strong local identity, commitment to regional news coverage and distinctive on-air personalities.

History of DevonAir Radio

Launched on 7 November 1980, DevonAir Radio formed part of Britain’s growing Independent Local Radio network. The station initially served Exeter and East Devon before expanding across South Devon with the opening of studios in Torquay. During the 1980s and early 1990s, DevonAir became one of the best-known commercial radio stations in the South West of England.

Many presenters, journalists, engineers and producers who worked at DevonAir Radio went on to successful careers in national broadcasting, while the station itself became an important part of local culture and community life.

The DevonAir Radio Archive

This website is dedicated to preserving the history of DevonAir Radio. It contains archive recordings, photographs, press cuttings, engineering information and personal memories contributed by former staff, presenters and listeners.

Whether you remember listening to DevonAir Radio in Exeter, Torquay, East Devon or elsewhere in the South West, this archive aims to document the station’s story and celebrate its contribution to Independent Local Radio broadcasting.

Acknowledgements and contributor information can be found here.