Off The Chart Radio is one of the fastest growing UK Internet radio stations around and to keep you up to date with what's happened in it's history below is a history of the station so far.
2004
October 2004
Off The Chart Radio was created in October 2004 with it's HQ in Kent, UK and under the ownership of Nicky Chappell who was then a 15 year old with aspirations to get into the radio industry professionally. The station had a small schedule to begin with - the first signings were Sam Lupton, Tom Holt, Tim Willett (all with the station to this day), Dave Brierley-Jones & Nick Berry. Tim hosted Late Night Hits (which at the time aired between 9pm and 10pm) one night a week, Tom Holt was head of news (at the time when the station had its own in house news team) and Sam Lupton presented The Net Owls. Other shows included 'The Lock In' a co production with James Dean & Chris Brophy, & 'The Freezer' with Nicky Chappell. The station broadcasted on the Live 365 platform to a limited audience of 10 listeners. This incarnation of Off The Chart Radio ended almost as soon as it began, in November 2004.
November 2004
Due to popular demand, Nick Berry decided to buy out the station from Nicky in November and so it relaunched on 2nd November 2004. Tim Willett and Tom Holt combined together for the very first time to host the stations opening launch show from 8pm to Midnight that evening, the duo still present on air together to this day on the now cult 'Tim & Tom Unleashed' every Saturday night. Most of the original line up stayed on board for the relaunch but a number of new presenters joined including Wendy Tiley (Nick's other half - 10am - 1pm), Aaron Glover (early evenings), Andrew (Griffo) Griffiths (early evenings), Paul Crooks (early evenings), Ryan Gray (weekends) , Ryan Fraser (weekends) and Norman Spencer (afternoons).
Programmes including the 'Sports Zone' and the 'OTC Chart Show' were born, hosted by Nick Berry and Tim Willett respectively. The Sports Zone airing Saturday afternoons from 2pm to 6pm and the OTC Chart Show on Sunday afternoons from 4pm to 7pm. The latter continuing to air to this day.
December 2004
Because the re launch in November took place at short notice, little effort was put into the on air and website image with the main work going to getting the station back on air. The management team of Nick & Tim started work on preparing a new image for the station, designing a logo and taking on website designers to produce a brand new site for the station for a launch in the new year. A new schedule was put in place along with a new station sound. Christmas 2004 highlights included the 'OTC Countdown to Christmas' with Tim Willett, Tom Holt, Dave Brierley-Jones & Sam Lupton, this went out live from 7pm to 1am. The 'Peoples Christmas Choice' also aired over this period.
2005
January 2005
To ring in 2005, Nick broadcasted throughout the night from 8pm to 6am from his studio (and the then OTC HQ just ouside London, UK) On January 3rd the brand new OTC website was launched along with a new logo, new .co.uk domain name and a new schedule meaning Off The Chart Radio was broadcasting live programming for longer than ever before. Included in the new shows launched were the 'OTC Download Chart' presented by Tom Holt, launched at a time when digital downloads were the big thing - this was a standalone 60 minute programme counting down the latest UK Top 20 Download Chart. Tim Willett hosted the OTC Retro Chart, a version of the popular programme 'Pick of the Pops' where 1 years chart was featured and counted down each week. A technical and website team was also assembled, headed by Andrew Bonney who has designed all of the OTC websites to this day, he also makes regular appearances on Tim & Tom Unleashed. Also in this month, Bob Eberth and Joe Dray joined the schedules and we said goodbye to Johnnie Blows.
February 2005
The milestones continued in February of 2005 as the first special event was broadcast. On 9th February 2005, Tim Willett, Dave Brierley-Jones, Tom Holt & Aaron Glover presented the first, and annual 'OTC @ The BRITs' with results broadcast before they were announced on the TV. February was also the first month in which two presenters met each other when Tim travelled up to West Yorkshire to host several programmes with Tom Holt. A management shake up also took place in this month when Wendy T took over temporary management of the station.
March 2005
March began by introducing two new members to the schedules, Brian Cole & the legendary Jokester. The new management, headed up by Wendy T decided to change the schedules to favour the older members of the station, in protest at this the younger members involved, led by Tim (who was briefly sacked!!!), went on strike between Sunday, 6th & Thursday, 10th March. The issues got resolved and the station resumed broadcasting normally from 10th March.
Tim Willett and Aaron Glover also marked Comic Relief '05 by broadcasting a special show on Friday, 11th March.
April 2005
Yet another turning point in the stations history as Tim Willett buys out Nick & Wendy to take full ownership of Off The Chart Radio on 4th April 2005. Nick stays on as a presenter, changing his show from 'Late Night Hits' to 'Destination Midnight' and reducing its duration from 10pm - 1am to 10pm to.. errm, Midnight!. Chris Reardon is also added to the schedule as a syndicated presenter.
May 2005
As the station approaches its 6 month anniversary the stable of presenters did too. Mike Pelosi (former listener to Sam Lupton's Net Owls, not that he'd admit that now!), Ste Briscoe, Jake Spillar and Megan King joined (what went on to become Ste & Meg was originally titled Ste & Jake, but Jake decided to leave after several weeks so Meg took over co presenting duties and the duo never looked back!). Norman Spencer left in protest of Tim becoming overall owner. Nick Berry and Wendy T also left the presenting side at the end of the month. The OTC Retro chart ended and the OTC Download Chart merged into Tom's Monday evening show entitled 'The Evening Session'.
Our first in house set of station imaging was also released in this month, produced by the then Head of Production, Dave Brierley-Jones and Ryan Gray.
June 2005
June was, and still is regarded as a groundbreaking month for Off The Chart Radio. We launched our second website design, which remained online until April 2007, once again designed by Andy B. A brand new revolutionary station image was unveiled including a new colour scheme and for the first time we left the Live 365 broadcasting platform to our own independent streaming hosts, along with the new website design came the change from the old strap line 'Your Top Station For Top Music' to 'The Internet's #1 Hit Music Station' which is still used today. The schedule shuffled around again and we saw the arrival of new DJ Darren Gamblen (mornings). Tim Willett took over the prostigious 10pm weekdays slot from Nick Berry with a revival of 'Late Night Hits', a slot he still presents today.
July 2005
In July a brand new presenter, David Smith (a friend of Bob Eberth) joined the team to present shows which included classic rock music.
The station continued to build on it's re launch in June with increasing listening figures.
August 2005
The Double DJ Weekender also took place on the 19th, 20th and 21st where all shows would be presented by two DJ’s at the same time. The weekend included a number of presenter meet-ups including Joe Dray & Brian Cole, Darren Gamblen & Brian Cole, Bob Eberth & David Smith and Tim Willett and Tom Holt.
At the beginning of August 2005, Dave Brierley-Jones left the station to concentrate on new projects, having been a member of the station since the beginning and also holding the position of Head of Production. Dave is now presenter and producer on 92.5 Cheshire FM.
Off The Chart Radio began simulcasting the OTC Chart Show and Tim & Tom Unleashed on Singapore University Campus radio 'AQH Radio' gaining both shows a whole new set of fans.
September 2005
A new Autumn/Winter schedule comes into operation which also see's the departure of dance DJ Andrew (Griffo) Griffiths leaving the station after a year involved. Scott Ashworth joins to take his place. Brian Cole and Joe Dray launch Charlton Plus, a brand new sports show focusing on the Premiership club Charlton Athletic. It invited fans of the team to call in to the show with their thoughts on the latest match results and football gossip in general.
October 2005
Off The Chart Radio celebrate their first birthday with a whole week of prize give aways, competitions, special shows and a birthday party featuring many of the stations DJs. Tim Willett and Ste Briscoe also presented coverage of the MTV Europe Music Awards and popular internet radio DJ David Lewis joined the station.
November 2005
OTC begins a partnership with PPL in it's first step to become a fully licensed station.
December 2005
The OTC Christmas schedule went into full swing, the OTC management met up for the new year and Scott Ashworth ushered in the new year with a dance marathon. George Laing joins the station to host Coffee with George.
The second OTC Christmas schedule went into operation with special programmes including the second 'OTC Countdown to Christmas' with Tim Willett, Tom Holt, Aaron Glover, Ryan Gray & Ste Briscoe. Scott Ashworth is handed the honours of broadcasting the station into 2006 with his New Year party and alternative DJ George Laing joins the station.
The OTC Christmas Pantomine airs as Sam Lupton takes the starring role in 'Indie Cindy'.
2006
January 2006
The new 2006 schedule begins where we begin simulcasting the Chris Reardon show (weekdays 4pm). Scott Laing joins the station to present at weekends.
Off The Chart Radio began podcasting, with shows from Tim & Tom, Bob Eberth and Charlton Plus.
February 2006
Charlton Plus ends as Brian Cole leaves the station, along with Scott Ashworth who is to return at a later date. Off The Chart Radio completes terms with it's second licence provider - the MCPS/PRS Alliance.
March 2006
OTC presents the 2nd OTC @ The BRITs 2006 with Tim Willett, Aaron Glover, Ryan Gray, Ste Briscoe and Tom Holt.
April 2006
Avid listener to the station, Mike Redding joins the schedules for the Easter holidays to present weekday afternoons. David Lewis moves from his Sunday 10pm slot to Tuesday and Sunday from 8pm. Paul Crooks and Sam Lupton take a break for exam leave.
May 2006
Brian Stephenson joins the schedules to host a mid morning show 3 times a week, then swiftly moving onto the weekend schedule. George Laing & Scott Laing leave the station and Ste & Meg broadcast their final regular show. Mike Redding is taken on full time & Ryan Morrison joins and leaves within the same week!
June 2006
Anas Hassan joins for the summer to host Friday & Saturday nights 10pm to Midnight. Steve Flynn begins the OTC Breakfast slot (8am to 10am) and Lewis Clarke takes over on the Saturday Night Warm Up (Saturday 6pm to 8pm). David Lewis leaves his regular slots as he goes off to University.
July 2006
Rob Rymond & Jason Allen (afternoons) join us as part of the 2006 summer schedule which see's new shows for most DJs including a lunchtime series for Tom Holt. Lewis Clarke & Paul Crooks leave the station.
The Best of British Weekend airs featuring British artists as presenters including Joe Dray, Brian Stephenson, Aaron Glover, Mike Pelosi & Tim Willett take part. Sam Lupton presents OTC's coverage of the unsigned festival 'Bandemonium'.
The OTC Apprentice also airs as Tim takes the role of Sir Alan Sugar, competitiors include Paul Crooks, Brian Stephenson, Aaron Glover, Mike Pelosi & Lewis Clarke. Ryan Gray and Ste Briscoe produced.
OTC HQ moved from Cambridgeshire, where it had been based since April 2005 to Norfolk where it remains today.
August 2006
The 2nd OTC Double DJ Weekend takes place over the August Bank Holiday Weekend with memorable combinations including Mike Redding & Darren Gamblen, Mike Pelosi & Sam Lupton, Jason Allen & Paul Crooks, Tim Willett & Anas Hassan and Darren Gamblen & Steve Flynn.
Aaron Glover broadcasts a week of live programmes from his holiday home in Florida marking the first time an overseas outside broadcast has taken place.
September 2006
With University calling, Anas Hassan, Jason Allen & Mike Pelosi leave the station but to replace them, Ian Pinnell, Jason Townsend and Ben & Sally join. Steve Flynn moves from Breakfast to Afternoons and Aaron Glover gets his first primetime slot after 2 years being on the station (Tuesdays from 8pm) Joe Dray left the station temporarily.
October 2006
OTC celebrate their 2nd birthday with loads of big events planned including the OTC BIG Birthday Meet Up, The OTC Birthday Bonanza, OTC 24 - a whole day of back to back live programming throughout the day and night and a return for Ste & Meg.
Another landmark is achieved as Off The Chart Radio made it to it's second birthday. To celebrate this a big party was held at OTC HQ in King's Lynn, Norfolk, in attendence were Tim Willett, Tom Holt, Andy B, Aaron Glover, Ryan Gray, Ste Briscoe & Mike Pelosi. They broadcasted live for 12 hours with hilarious features including 'Tesco Bogies', 'Red Hot Chili or Pepper' and the 'Weakest Link'.
Other events to take place during this week included the OTC 24 Hour Marathon, live programing from Midnight to Midnight from the majority of the stations presenters. Some well loved DJs also returned to celebrate including Ste & Meg.
November 2006
November saw one of the highest rating shows in the stations history as the 'Big Guffaw Show' aired in aid of Children in Need, A comedy production from the school that Tom Holt & Andy B attend with the great comedy acts of tomorrow. From laughs of tomorrow to laughs of yesterday as Darren Gamblen hangs up the mic with his emotional final show, but he'll be back! Tim Willett and Mike Redding hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards coverage.
Off The Chart Radio renewed its licence agreement with the PPL.
December 2006
With the run upto Christmas 2006, Off The Chart Radio once again celebrated with the Great American Weekend highlighting some of the best music from across the pond. The 2006 OTC Pantomine starred Tim Willett in the leading role as 'Scrooge' in 'A Christmas Carol' and was once again written and produced by Ste Briscoe & Megan King.
Scott Ashworth makes a welcome return to the station to host new shows in 2007 but once again was on air to bring OTC into 2007 with his New Year Party.
2007
January 2007
At the beginning of 2007 we said a sad on air farewell to Ryan Gray who decided to move into a behind the scenes role within the station, his last show airing on 4th January. Joe Dray returned with his shows 'The Saturday Brunch' and 'Joe Dray on Sunday' (weekends from 10am). Brian Stephenson moved from his early evening slots to Sunday nights.
February 2007
Ian Pinnell left the station as Scott Ashworth diversed from dance music to chart hits taking over Tuesday & Thursdays to later become the permenant host of the Total Request Sunday programme (Sundays, 8pm). Sam Lupton took a break from his regular shows.
March 2007
The station prepares itself for it's fourth new website design to be launched in early April. The first big event of the year takes place as OTC fundraise over £150 for Comic Relief with shows including Aaron Glover, Mike Redding, Ben & Sally and Scott Ashworth (the latter two co hosting a big House Party special on Comic Relief night). Steve Flynn leaves the station.
Jason Allen returns for a brief spell to host Wednesday nights at 8pm. PJ joins the station but leaves 4 weeks later.
OTC confirms a license extension with the MCPS/PRS Alliance.
April 2007
OTC's fourth website launches on April 6th 2007. The OTC 24 Hour Marathon V.2 airs on Bank Holiday Monday, 9th April with Darren Gamblen & David Lewis returning for one off shows to take part. OTC launches a new on air imaging sound later in the month. Paulo Ross joins the station to host Saturday afternoons.
May 2007
In preparation for our Summer Schedule of 2007, we introduce 3 brand new DJs to the airwaves who instantly become popular within the OTC community.
June 2007
Our 2007 Summer schedule is unveiled with the return of some old faces and the introduction of 2 new ones! (Alex Jones and Paul Cuthbertson).
July 2007
Off The Chart Radio holds a Simpsons Movie themed week where all presenters give away tickets for the cinema to see the film. The OTC Apprentice begins with Sir Tim overseeing a host of brand new candidates including Jason Townsend, Chris Hawes, Tom Holt, Paulo Ross and Scott Ashworth.
August 2007
The OTC Apprentice comes to a climax with Tom Holt, Chris Hawes and Ben Aston battling it out for the winning crown. Ben wins by the listeners vote and becomes OTC Apprentice 2007. Scott Ashworth leaves the station. Scott Ashworth leaves the station for a second time.
September 2007
As the University clear out begins: Ste Briscoe, Chris Hawes and Tom Holt leave the airwaves to start a new chapter in their life. Jason Townsend leaves to get married and a wave of new faces join including Nic Parkes, Tim Godsalve, Jay Adkins, Stu and Gav, Matt Wray ,Justin Wayne and Dan Johnson. Tim and Tom present their last Saturday show together with special studio guests Aaron Glover, Andy B and Griffo.
October 2007
Off The Chart Radio celebrates its third birthday with a 24 Hour Marathon where all the DJs take part in 24 hours of live, back to back radio and the OTC Quiz.
November 2007
Dan Johnson leaves the station. Tim presents coverage of the MTV European Music Awards with Tim Godsalve and Paulo Ross.
December 2007
Joe Dray takes a sabbatical and Christmas arrives with a host of special returning programmes from parting University students and current presenters. Griffo, Martin Smith and the Sunday Night Hitmix team ring in 2008 with a dance spectacular.
January 2008
Scott Ashworth returns to the station alongside new signings from Esme Reaney, Ian Ramsdale and Kris Surtees. Ian Pinnell returns and Nic Parkes leaves the station. Tim and Tom return to the airwaves in the form of a ‘Daily Show’ which airs Monday to Thursday from 9pm.
February 2008
Brian Cole and the gang return with a new series of Charlton Plus on Sundays from 8pm, OTC @ The BRITs returns with Tim hosting proceedings ably assisted by Paulo Ross and Paul Cuthbertson.
March 2008
Esme Reaney leaves the station whilst Mike Redding takes over her shows. Tim and Tom end their ‘Daily Show’ as Tim goes solo and the first 24 Hour Marathon of 2008 with Scott Ashworth kicking things off takes place.
April 2008
Another new website launches, designed once again by Andy B, Laurie Davis joins the line up to present weekend lunchtimes but moves to Saturday afternoons from 4-6pm to replace Paulo Ross. Joe Dray returns to weekend morning duties whilst Martin Smith moves from 10pm to Midnight on Fridays to 9-10pm. Tom Holt leaves the station having been with us since 2004.
May 2008
Jamie Nemeth joins the line up to present Sunday nights from 10pm. The late May Bank Holiday sees us present our 90s themed day with Jason Moyle starting proceedings and Scott Ashworth ending the day.
June 2008
The new Summer schedule begins on 23rd June with returns from Ste Briscoe, Chris Hawes, Paul Crooks and Sam Lupton anticipated.
Who knows what else will happen in 2008? Stick with OTC to find out!
If you remember something we don't, please feel free to contact us with any information we don't have via the contact page.
The OTC Hall of Fame
Presenters to have graced the airwaves of the Internet's #1 Hit Music Station.
Nicky Chappell (2004)
Tim Willett (2004-present)
Nick Berry (2004-2005 & 2008-present)
Wendy T (2004-2005)
Tom Holt (2004-2008)
Sam Lupton (2004-present)
Dave Brierley-Jones (2004-2005)
Aaron Glover (2004-present)
Johnnie Blows (2004-2005)
Andrew (Griffo) Griffiths (2004 - 2005 & 2007)
Paul Crooks (2004-2006, 2007 & 2008)
Ryan Gray (2004-2007)
Ryan Fraser (2004-2005)
Norman Spencer (2004-2005)
Joe B (2004)
Andy B (2005-present)
Joe Dray (2005-present)
Bob Eberth (2005-present)
Brian Cole (2005-2006 & 2008-present)
The Jokester (2005-2006)
Mike Pelosi (2005-2006 & 2007)
Ste Briscoe (2005-present)
Jake Spillar (2005)
Megan King (2005-2006 & 2008-present)
Darren Gamblen (2005-2007)
David Smith (2005)
Steve Quinn (2005)
Scott Ashworth (2005-2006 & 2007-present)
David Lewis (2005-2007)
George Laing (2005-2006)
Scott Laing (2006)
Mike Redding (2006-present)
Brian Stephenson (2006-2007)
Anas Hassan (2004 & 2006)
Steve Flynn (2006-2007)
Lewis Clarke (2006)
Rob Rymond (2006)
Jason Allen (2006 & 2007)
Ian Pinnell (2006-2007 & 2008-present)
Jason Townsend (2006-2007)
Ben Quarman (2006-present)
Sally Ann Benson (2006-2007)
PJ (2007)
Paulo Ross (2007-present)
Chris Hawes (2007-present)
Jason Moyle (2007-present)
Alex Jones (2007)
Paul Cuthbertson (2007-present)
Nic Parkes (2007)
Tim Godsalve (2007)
Jay Adkins (2007-present)
Stu and Gav (2007-present)
Martin Smith (2007-present)
Esme Reaney (2007-2008)
Matt Wray (2007-present)
Justin Wayne (2007)
Dan Johnson (2007)
Ian Ramsdale (2008-present)
Kris Surtees (2008-present)
Laurie Davis (2008-present)
Jamie Nemeth (2008-present)
James Dean (2005-2006)
Chris Reardon (2005-2007)
Chris Brophy (2004-2005)