Capital Radio off the Dutch Coast 1970

With its revolutionary aerial system Capital Radio began test transmissions off the Dutch Coast in June 1970 on board the MV King David using the old Radio 270 transmitter. Most programming was in Dutch although they re-broadcast the BBC World Service at times.
In November 1970 the ship drifted in a storm and ended up on the Noordwijk Beach. Eventually the King David was sold, never to broadcast again.
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The aerial was a ring antenna, never before used on a radio ship. It produced a ground wave only and no sky wave. Giving it less chance of interfering with land-based stations. The idea was originally designed by American Intelligence.
The station was set up in 1969 by the International Broadcaster's Society whose directors included Tim Tomason and Paul Harris (author of 'When Pirates Ruled the Waves'). Each three hour programme from the station had a 20 minute feature on offshore radio.
By May 1971 the International Broadcaster's Society was officially declared bankrupt. In 1981 the ship was towed to Heerwaarden where the upper structure was broken away and the hull was filled with concrete and is now in use as a floating quay.
Taken from 'Pop Went the Pirates' by Keith Skues. Where you will find more information on Capital Radio & other stations.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Offshore
• Pirate
• Radio
• 1970's
• Ships
• Capital

[Bolly558]

It was always a shame this station never got any further than test transmissions. It would have been an extra, nice alternative at the time. Alongside the other offshore stations. Thanks for posting this excellent video. Where did you find this?

[radprog]

It's a combination of some old silent stock footage and an off-air audio recording taken in the south east of England in 1970. I agree, it would have been nice if this station had lasted for a few years. There's always space for something different.

[mrcatweazle1]

the antenna was a great invention but they used two anchor chains that is a danger they twist up together with the change of the waves

[DSVOP]

Nice work, and much appreciated. These are historical records, so ensure their future safety, Mi Amigo.

Don't trust Google, be loike Kenny, and declare them in your Will, as, I too, have done.

Preserve this history..don't let the SOB;s re-write our history..this new movie is causing much damage to the 'Cause'...

Live Long And Prosper,

[DSVOP]

@sandydogy Different station, mi amigo, this one was from 1970, in the same dock that provided Abie Nathan with the Peace Ship, a dhip that Hans Knot played on as a boy.

[sandydogy]

was this the same king David ship used off Israil

[beachborrel]

deze,kwam ik tegen,op het strand van noordwijk,lang geleden.