Key 103 facts for kids

Key 103 is a local radio station that broadcasts to Manchester and the north west of England. It mainly plays popular pop and dance music. The station is based in Castlefield, Manchester.

How Key 103 Started

Key 103 first began broadcasting on 3 September 1988. Before this, it was known as Piccadilly Radio, which started in 1974. In August 1988, the station decided to change its name to Key 103. This was done to attract a younger audience. The original Piccadilly Radio continued to broadcast on a different frequency.

Key 103 used to be owned by companies like Trans World Communications and EMAP. Now, it is owned by Bauer Radio. It is part of Bauer Radio's Big City Network of stations.

How to Listen to Key 103

You can listen to Key 103 in a few ways. It broadcasts on the analogue frequency 103 FM. The signal comes from a powerful transmitter on Saddleworth Moor.

The station also broadcasts on DAB Digital Radio. This signal comes from City Tower in Manchester. If you are in the UK, you can also listen to Key 103 live on their website.

Awards and Sports Connections

Key 103 has won several awards for its shows. In 2008, the station won three awards at the Sony Radio Awards. These included a Bronze award for its breakfast show, 'Toolan in the Morning'. It also won two Gold awards. One was for a competition called 'Sell Me The Answer'. The other Gold award was for being the 'Station of the Year'.

Since 2008, Key 103 and its sister station, Piccadilly Magic 1152, have been the official radio partners for two big football clubs. They broadcast live games for both Manchester United and Manchester City.