Launch as Metro Radio

The Newcastle-based station, broadcasting to North-East England, launched on 15 July 1974.^[2] The first breakfast show was presented by Don Dwyer, an Australian radio presenter formerly at ABC and the United Biscuits Network. The first show included messages of congratulations from Kenny Everett at the equivalent local commercial station in London, Capital Radio.

Studios

The station transmitted from a studio in Swalwell, Gateshead, which in later years would be adjacent to the Metrocentre and is now Metropolitan House—a business centre providing serviced office accommodation. Metro, and sister station Magic 1152, moved in 2005 to the former BT building previously known as Swan House – now known as 55° North – next to the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne. In April 2021, it was announced that Metro Radio were relocating their studios once more. Later in 2021 as planned, they relocated their broadcasting studios to the Grade II listed building, Gainsborough House on Newcastle's Grey Street. Before the move, the studio had undergone a purposed fit-out which included 2 additional studios and a contemporary, flexible office space.

Football commentary

Until 2005 the station broadcast live football commentary for the region's two biggest clubs; Newcastle United and Sunderland. In an attempt to boost ratings, the football commentary was stopped. However, a negative response from football fans prompted the owners to cover all Newcastle and Sunderland games on sister station Magic 1152.

TFM co-location

From 8 April 2013, all Metro Radio's programming has been shared with TFM. However, the Metro Radio branding was retained along with separate advertising and local news bulletins.^[3] The two stations were able to co-locate without consultation, for the Metro Radio licence area is located in one approved broadcast area (north-east England).^[4]

Hits Radio rebrand

On 10 January 2024, station owners Bauer announced Metro Radio would be rebranded as Hits Radio North East from April 2024, as part of a network-wide relaunch involving 17 local radio stations in England and Wales.^[5] The announcement signalled the end of the Metro Radio brand after nearly 50 years of broadcasting.^[6]

The station's local news and regional output will not be affected as a result of the relaunch.

On 17 April 2024 at 6am, Metro Radio was rebranded to Hits Radio North East, officially marking the end of the Metro Radio brand, the website for which had been replaced with the Hits Radio website earlier that morning.^[7]