About Us
Who We Are
Welcome to Affinity Radio, the heart of community broadcasting in South Shields, Tynemouth, Newcastle, and Gateshead. We are a community-driven radio station operated by Affinity Media NE CIC, committed to delivering engaging content, diverse music, and meaningful local programming.
Founded to connect, entertain, and inform, Affinity Radio strives to be the voice of the North East, reflecting the culture, interests, and stories that matter most to our community.
Formerly known as Radio Shields, Affinity Radio is your go-to local station. As part of the UK’s first small-scale DAB radio network, we’re proud to deliver a vibrant mix of music, national & local news, showbiz, and community connection.
Affinity Radio: Our Journey & Partnerships
Our Story
Affinity Radio Shields (formerly Radio Shields) made history as one of the first stations to launch on the UK’s pioneering small-scale DAB service on Saturday, 11th December 2021.
Continuing our journey, Affinity Radio Newcastle officially went live across Newcastle and Gateshead on Tuesday, 10th December 2024—further expanding our reach and commitment to local broadcasting.
Both milestone launches were proudly hosted by Pam Royal, former Tyne Tees TV presenter, who reflected on the station’s evolution and honoured 17 years of service from one of Affinity Media NE CIC’s founding members.
As we continue to grow and unify our service, we’re pleased to confirm that on Sunday, 8th June 2025, following approval from Ofcom, Affinity Radio Shields and Affinity Radio Newcastle will officially merge into one powerful, united service – Affinity Radio North East.
This next chapter strengthens our commitment to local voices, community connection, and great music
Our Partnerships
We are proud to collaborate with our partners at Red Army Group and Tyneside Community Digital, who are instrumental in bringing over 20 stations to Tyneside. This major step helps connect more communities and delivers diverse, high-quality content to listeners across the region. We also work alongside a number of local authorities, businesses, charities, and individuals, strengthening our commitment to community engagement and support.
Join Our Team
Like all community radio stations, Affinity Radio thrives on the passion and dedication of its volunteers. We rely on volunteers to help manage the station, produce exciting programs, and deliver the content our listeners love.
We’re Looking for Volunteers!
We’re currently looking for enthusiastic individuals to take on a variety of roles, including:
- Managers
- Administrators
- Presenters
- Technicians
- Producers
Whether you’re interested in being on-air or behind the scenes, there’s a place for you at Affinity Radio.
Training and Support
At Affinity Radio, we believe in empowering our volunteers with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in community broadcasting. Whether you’re new to radio or have prior experience, our training programme ensures that everyone is well-prepared before stepping on air.
How It Works
Step 1: Training Programme
All new volunteers complete our structured training, covering:
- Broadcast regulations and station guidelines
- Technical skills, including using studio equipment
- Presenting techniques and engaging an audience
- Best practices for live and recorded shows
Step 2: Volunteering at the Station
Before hosting your own programme, you’ll gain hands-on experience by:
- Assisting with live shows
- Learning from experienced presenters
- Supporting station activities and events
Step 3: On-Air Opportunities
Once you’ve completed training and gained experience, you’ll have the chance to:
- Host your own show
- Join existing programmes as a co-presenter
- Get involved in production, editing, or news reporting
Why Join Our Training Programme?
💡 No experience needed – we’ll teach you everything you need to know!
🎤 Hands-on learning in a real broadcast environment
📻 Be part of a passionate community radio team
🚀 Build skills that can lead to exciting opportunities in media
Ready to get started? Fill out our volunteer application form and take your first step into radio broadcasting!
Apply Now
Advertise with Affinity Radio
We offer a variety of advertising packages tailored to suit organisations, sole traders, and small-to-medium-sized businesses. Whether you’re looking to increase brand awareness or target a specific audience, Affinity Radio can help you connect with potential customers in a meaningful way.
Why Choose Affinity Radio?
- South Shields & Tynemouth Coverage: Our DAB radio service in South Shields and Tynemouth reaches over 380,000 people.
- Newcastle & Gateshead Coverage: We also provide coverage across Newcastle and Gateshead, with a potential reach of over 489,000 people.
By advertising with us, you’re tapping into a wide audience, supporting local businesses, and contributing to a vital community service.
We rely on grants, advertising revenue, and donations to continue providing our 24/7 community service to the people of South Shields, Tynemouth, Newcastle, and Gateshead.
Get in Touch Find out more about advertising on Affinity Radio and speak to one of our friendly sales team members. Together, we can create an advertising solution that works for you!
Get in Touch
Do you have community news, events, or interesting stories that you’d like us to cover? We’d love to hear from you!
Call our team at 0300 302 0470 or email us at admin@affinityradio.uk.
Alternatively contact us using the form below: