What Is 105-106 Capital FM North East

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Last updated: April 12, 2026

Quick Answer: 105-106 Capital FM North East, officially known as Capital North East, is a commercial radio station serving North East England that broadcasts on multiple FM frequencies (105.3, 105.6, 105.8, and 106.4 MHz) from Newcastle upon Tyne. Originally launched as Galaxy 105-106 in 1999 and rebranded to Capital North East in 2011, it is owned and operated by Global and broadcasts contemporary hit music and entertainment to the region.

Key Facts

Launched on June 1, 1999 as Galaxy 105-106, one of the earliest commercial radio stations in the North East
Rebranded to Capital North East on January 3, 2011 as part of the Capital network expansion
Broadcasts on primary frequency FM 105.3 MHz from Newcastle upon Tyne with 10 kW power
Operates multiple transmitters serving different areas: 105.6 MHz (Fenham, West Newcastle), 105.8 MHz (Hexham area), 106.4 MHz (Teesside)
Owned and operated by Global, part of the UK's largest commercial radio network with the slogan 'The North East's No. 1 Hit Music Station'

Overview

Capital North East, officially styled as 105-106 Capital FM, is a major commercial radio station serving the North East of England. The station broadcasts on multiple FM frequencies (105.3, 105.6, 105.8, and 106.4 MHz) and provides contemporary hit music programming to audiences across the region. Owned and operated by Global, one of the UK's largest commercial radio broadcasters, Capital North East has become a significant media presence in the North East for over two decades.

The station's history spans from its original launch on June 1, 1999, when it was known as Galaxy 105-106. Over the years, the station underwent several rebranding initiatives, including a transition to Galaxy North East in 2006, before eventually adopting its current name, Capital North East, on January 3, 2011. This rebranding aligned the station with Global's expanding Capital network, which encompasses multiple regional stations across the United Kingdom. Today, Capital North East maintains its position as a leading entertainment and music broadcaster serving millions of listeners in the North East region.

How It Works

Capital North East operates as a full-service commercial radio station with multiple broadcast frequencies designed to maximize coverage across its service area. The station delivers contemporary hit music, entertainment content, news, weather, travel information, and advertising to listeners throughout the North East of England. The multi-frequency broadcasting approach ensures that listeners in different geographical locations within the North East can tune in effectively.

Primary Frequency (105.3 MHz): The main transmission frequency broadcasting from Newcastle upon Tyne with a power output of 10 kilowatts (kW), providing the strongest signal for the central areas of the North East region and urban populations.
Fenham Transmitter (105.6 MHz): A dedicated transmitter serving West Newcastle and surrounding areas with a power output of 0.5 kW, ensuring comprehensive coverage in the western parts of the Newcastle catchment area.
Newton Transmitter (105.8 MHz): Broadcasting to the Hexham area with minimal power output of 0.1 kW, providing targeted coverage for communities in the north and more rural parts of the region.
Bilsdale Transmitter (106.4 MHz): Serving Teesside and surrounding communities with a power output of 8.9 kW, extending Capital North East's reach into the southern portions of the North East region including areas around Middlesbrough.
Content Distribution: Programming is delivered through traditional FM radio receivers, online streaming platforms, and mobile applications, allowing listeners to access Capital North East through multiple devices and technologies.

Key Details

Frequency	Location/Area	Power Output	Coverage Purpose
105.3 MHz	Newcastle upon Tyne (Burnhope)	10 kW	Primary transmission for central North East
105.6 MHz	West Newcastle (Fenham)	0.5 kW	Secondary coverage for western Newcastle areas
105.8 MHz	Hexham Area	0.1 kW	Targeted coverage for northern rural communities
106.4 MHz	Teesside (Bilsdale)	8.9 kW	Extended coverage for southern North East including Middlesbrough

Capital North East's sophisticated multi-transmitter infrastructure represents a significant investment in regional radio broadcasting. This approach allows the station to serve diverse geographical areas, from densely populated urban centers like Newcastle upon Tyne to more remote rural communities in places like Hexham. The varying power outputs of each transmitter are strategically calibrated to provide optimal signal strength and coverage without creating interference. The station's ownership by Global provides access to significant resources, professional production facilities, and a network of talent and programming expertise that enhances content quality and listener engagement across the North East region.

Why It Matters

Regional Radio Heritage: Capital North East represents continuity of commercial radio broadcasting in the North East since 1999, providing consistent entertainment and information services to generations of listeners who have grown up with the station.
Music and Entertainment Platform: As The North East's No. 1 Hit Music Station, Capital North East plays a crucial role in introducing new artists and music to audiences, supporting the music industry ecosystem and cultural development of the region.
Local Community Connection: The station serves as a vital connection point for North East communities, delivering local news, weather, travel information, and entertainment that keeps residents informed and entertained throughout their daily activities.
Economic and Advertising Impact: Capital North East provides an essential advertising platform for local and national businesses, supporting the North East economy and enabling companies of all sizes to reach targeted audiences across the region.
Emergency Communications: During emergencies and crises, the station functions as a critical communication channel for public safety alerts, weather warnings, and important community information that can directly impact listener safety and welfare.

The significance of Capital North East extends beyond simple entertainment delivery. The station represents an important institutional presence in North East England, contributing to regional identity and cultural expression. With millions of listeners tuning in regularly, Capital North East influences music consumption patterns, shapes entertainment preferences, and provides a shared cultural experience that unites diverse communities across the region. The station's commitment to local content, combined with access to national and international programming through its ownership by Global, creates a balanced media offering that serves both regional and broader audience interests.