Published
Mon, Jan 30, 2023, 10:30
- The iconic former pirate station will return to the airwaves in 2023 with a new roster of DJs.
Rinse FM has acquired Kool Radio London and will relaunch the former pirate station under its original name, Kool FM, later this year.
Kool FM will broadcast from the Rinse FM studios with a new, currently TBA roster of DJs. The news arrives after Kool FM cofounders Eastman and Susie G stepped down last month after 31 years. Rinse FM will also take control of Kool FM's party arm, Jungle Fever.
Both stations have a long history in pirate radio going back to the '90s. Rinse FM founder Geeneus was heavily inspired by Kool FM, spending his weekends listening to shows by Babyface Ragga, DJ Ron and SL, among others.
"Starting Rinse for me was based on the passion and love I had for Kool FM," he said in a post on social media. "We created a platform that I hope has helped many, and for that I have Kool FM to thank [...] I can't even begin to explain how I'd feel if I could tell the 15-year-old me I would one day own Kool FM and Jungle Fever. It's beyond a privilege and I hope to do it justice."
In his own statement, Eastman said Geeneus has "first-class knowledge of Kool." This, combined with his "excellent achievements," made Rinse FM the ideal candidate for the takeover. "This isn't the end, this is a new beginning for Kool," he added.
Kool FM has been off-air since Eastman's emotional final broadcast on New Year's Eve. The Rinse FM team are currently preparing a roster of shows for the new incarnation.
"It's amazing to see two iconic London-based stations joining forces," drum & bass artist Rockwell told Resident Advisor. He said Kool FM's 2007 Dizzee Rascal & D Double set is still one of his favourites. "I'm really excited to see the Kool FM renaissance and the programming for 2023 and beyond."
Read Rinse FM's post in full.