Win 107.2 and Dream 107.2: A History of Winchester Radio
The landscape of local broadcasting in Winchester has seen several transformations over the decades. From its inception as a community-focused station to its later iterations as a relay service, the frequency 107.2 FM has hosted a variety of brands and musical directions designed to capture the local audience.
The Early Years: Win 107.2 and Win FM
Launched in 1999, Win 107.2 began its journey financed by Radio Investments Ltd. Operating from studios located in The Brooks Shopping Centre in Winchester town centre, the station established its presence with the ambitious slogan "best music, breaking news".
The station underwent its first major transition in 2004. Following a buyout of Radio Investments, the station was rebranded as 107.2 Win FM under the new ownership of The Local Radio Company.
The Transition to Dream 107.2
In September 2006, The Local Radio Company sold the station to Tindle Radio. To better differentiate the station from successful competitors within its transmission area, Tindle Radio rebranded the station as Dream 107.2 in October 2007.
By early 2008, the station shifted its musical direction to a soft adult contemporary policy—a genre characterized by melodic, easy-listening pop and adult-oriented tracks. This strategy mirrored the approach of London-based Magic 105.4 and a newer local competitor, The Coast 106, which launched in October 2008.
Integration with Radio Hampshire
The independence of the station's programming shifted in November 2008. During this time, Dream 107.2 became a relay for Radio Hampshire. While it simulcast the majority of Radio Hampshire's output, it maintained a small degree of local identity by producing four hours of bespoke programming each day.
| Year | Station Name | Owner/Operator | Key Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Win 107.2 | Radio Investments Ltd | Station Launch |
| 2004 | 107.2 Win FM | The Local Radio Company | Rebrand after buyout |
| 2006 | Dream 107.2 | Tindle Radio | Ownership change (Sept) and Rebrand (Oct 2007) |
| 2008 | Dream 107.2 | Tindle Radio / Radio Hampshire | Became a relay for Radio Hampshire |
Key Facts
- Original Slogan: "best music, breaking news".
- Original Location: The Brooks Shopping Centre, Winchester.
- Musical Shift: Adopted soft adult contemporary in early 2008.
- Programming: Eventually simulcast Radio Hampshire with only four hours of unique daily content.
- First Song: "Young Hearts Run Free" by Candi Staton.
- Last Song: "Go Now" by The Moody Blues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who originally financed Win 107.2?
The station was originally financed by Radio Investments Ltd when it launched in 1999.
When did the station become Dream 107.2?
The station was rebranded as Dream 107.2 in October 2007 after being acquired by Tindle Radio.
What music style did Dream 107.2 adopt in 2008?
In early 2008, the station adopted a soft adult contemporary music policy, similar to Magic 105.4 and The Coast 106.
How much original programming did Dream 107.2 keep after becoming a relay?
After becoming a relay for Radio Hampshire in November 2008, the station continued to produce four hours of bespoke programming per day.
What were the first and last songs played on Dream 107.2?
The first song played was "Young Hearts Run Free" by Candi Staton during Andy Green's Breakfast show, and the final song was "Go Now" by The Moody Blues during Pippa Head's Mid-Morning Show.