As well as the re-launch, Radio Magnetic will play host to a programme of special birthday shows and activities to celebrate this important landmark.

The station – which was one of the UK's very first internet radio stations and has outlived most of its rivals – is accessed via www.radiomagnetic.com. Inner Ear has now unveiled the station's new and improved re-launched website, which offers exclusive and live online music sessions, DJ mixes, specialist shows, interviews and features.

The new site now offers even more for listeners such as access to free legal downloads, including The Prodigy’s Invaders Must Die. For example, exclusive album previews and single downloads are available to Radio Magnetic listeners via the website.

www.radiomagnetic.com is also now more user-friendly, with web 2.0 features such as RSS feeds, podcast subscription links, blog-style comments to allow listeners to express their opinions, a search function and a shop.

As well as the revamped website, Radio Magnetic has lined up a series of innovative activities throughout March and April to mark the station's eighth birthday.

These include special birthday shows (on 19 March) and features; the launch of a series of classic live sessions, mixes and interviews from the archives; a 'Radio Magnetic Soundsystem' party on 20 March; a 'Kinky Afro wishes Radio Magnetic Happy Birthday' club night on 27 March; and the launch of a Radio Magnetic Download Album.

Radio Magnetic began with a pirate-style, underground attitude, to which it still holds true and was one of the earliest pioneers of 'on demand' listening.

Demand for the station has grown steadily year-on-year. UK-wide, Radio Magnetic has survived longer than big internet radio rivals such as Groovetech and Trust the DJ, whilst in Scotland, the station has outlived both Beat 106 and XFM Scotland. Windows Media Guide has always taken an interest in the station and 85% of the UK radio page features Radio Magnetic content, with occasional pieces on the music and home pages.
Radio Magnetic has consistently worked with specialist DJs and presenters and has recently secured veteran ex-XFM Scotland broadcaster, Jim Gellatly, as a regular presenter, adding to a stable of quality contributors that includes Soma Records, former Mary Anne Hobbs producer Rob Booth, Diplo’s Mad Decent record label and Fabric, amongst many others.

Dougal Perman, co-founder of Radio Magnetic and its parent company, Inner Ear, commented: “When we initially launched Radio Magnetic eight years ago, we could never have anticipated how well-received the station would become over the years, particularly amongst its loyal core listeners.

“We have gone from being a niche, underground station to one that has a diverse and sizeable listenership, although we remain loyal to our ethos of celebrating alternative music and promoting up-and-coming acts and presenters. We have always championed the Scottish music scene: music made and played in Scottish clubs, venues and festivals. The scene is just as strong today as when we started and we’re always spoilt for choice in terms of programme content. To have reached our eighth birthday and be planning this series of shows and birthday events is a huge milestone for us and one that we are delighted to have reached.”

Tony Black, Radio Magnetic's station manager, added: “As the station has grown, we have become more diverse in our music and features. In launching our new site, we wanted to be sure that it represented Radio Magnetic and its content well. By re-launching the station, we can now offer our listeners even more access to exclusive mixes and features, new comedy podcasts and a breadth of music that is difficult to find on mainstream broadcasters.

“We will always remain true to our alternative roots and ensure that Radio Magnetic continues to marry this ethos with authenticity and user-friendly access.”
Radio Magnetic's parent company, Inner Ear, which offers brands and corporate clients the chance to utilise the team's extensive digital media experience and capabilities to help them communicate, has also been re-launched.

Photograph shows: Dougal Perman (red top), co-founder of Radio Magnetic and its parent company, Inner Ear Ltd; Tony Black (blue top), Radio Magnetic station manager and Bobby Perman (wearing scarf), production editor.

www.radiomagnetic.com
www.radiomagnetic.com/8years
www.windowsmedia.com/Mediaguide/gbRadio1
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