Britain’s first black owned and licensed radio station, Choice FM, has received a blue heritage plaque. The unveiling of the plaque on March 31, marked the 31st anniversary of the station’s first broadcast on the 96.9FM frequency in March 1990.

Councillor Sonia Winifred and Lambeth mayor Philip Normal, unveiled the plaque on the outside wall of the station’s original headquarters: 16-18 Trinity Gardens in Brixton, south London.

Representatives from the Nubian Jak Community Trust, who helped to make this commemoration possible, were also present.

Choice 96.9 FM was Britain’s first 24-hour Black owned, Black music radio station with a license, covering south London. In 2000, the station won a further license to cover North London with an additional transmitter.

On-air personalities included, Daddy Ernie, George Kay, Commander B, DJ 279, Jigs, Calvin Francis, Martin Jay and Jenny Francis.

In 2003, founders/owners Neil Kenlock and Patrick Berry sold the station to Global Radio (owners of Capital Radio), for a reported £11.7 million. Choice FM then moved from the heart of Brixton to Borough, south east London and later relocated again to Leicester Square in central London.

In 2013, Global decided that a rebrand was in order. Choice FM then morphed into Capital XTRA.

This is well deserved! We miss you Choice FM. 🖤