- The Radio 270 Tribute Pages - Page 3
In the late spring of 1967, the government declared it's intention to bring in legislation to put an end to the off-shore stations. But in May and June of that year, Radio 270 was to make broadcasting history when it became the first UK station to broadcast sponsored Political anouncements. Needless to say, the only voice to be heard was that of the Conservative MP for Haltemprice, Mr Patrick Wall who called for the resumption of talks with the Rhodesian Government. Naturally this broadcast brought a storm of protest from Labour MPs. Mr Proudfoot however defended the move by stating: " I believe in free speech. I will broadcast a communist point of view if they send it to us." He added that the same offer of airtime had been made to Labour, but had been turned down. Amid the controversy, a second broadcast was made by the Conservatives, which was described by Labour as a direct attack on the government, of its handling of both foreign and domestic affairs.
In the short space of a year, Radio 270 had certainly made its mark, yet despite the political controversy, became a big hit with the listener. According to a National Opinion Poll the station had captured 4.75 million listeners, more than half of whom were over 24 years of age. Radio 270 gave over a considerable amount of free airtime to help local charities, its sales of car stickers raised money for the " Wireless For The Blind Fund ". And listeners could place free adverts in the stations " Swap Shop " feature.
On July 14 1966, the then PostmasterGeneral, Mr Edward Short announced that the governments Marine Broadcasting (Offences) Act would come into effect on August 15 1966. In common with several of the other stations, Radio 270 announced that to comply with the law, it would cease transmissions at midnight on Monday August 14 1967. Mr Wilf Proudfoot, in a brief statement said: " We close down at 23.59 hours on August 14th. We have not broken the law up to now and we dont intend to in the future." A final show was to be broadcast in which all the djs would be on board to say farewell to their listeners. However, severe weather conditions were to prevent those on shore leave returning to the ship. Ashore, dj Mike Hayes had arranged with a friend for taped messages to be flown out by helicopter to the ship for inclusion on the final show. So it was a great surprise to all on board the tiny ship when an RAF Search And Rescue helicopter hovered overhead and an un-successful attempt was made to drop a package of tapes onto the deck. Sadly the package was lost in the sea. Inside was a note which asked those on board not to mention the helicopter. Unaware of this note, Ross Randell thanked " the helicopter boys from Leconfield " for their help. This was to result in an official enquiry as to why an RAF training flight led by Captain Tony Harrison, had carried out this "un-authorized" activity. Prime Minister Harold Wilson, was said to be furious and had called for the report personally.
