Actual Radio

Actual Radio broadcasts from Colchester for North East Essex, with a local focus extending to Clacton, Braintree and Witham. Its music-led service combines presenter company with news, sport and information about places to go. Coverage of Colchester United, local theatre and community events keeps the area recognisable between the songs rather than limiting local references to a station name.

Tony and Emma present breakfast, mixing conversation, everyday stories and humour with music and Essex references. Greg Potter accompanies the workday, Pete Chapman features in the daytime line-up and Martin Roscoe presents the drive home. Club Essex changes the mood towards the weekend. The station's recent music selections range from established pop favourites to newer releases, giving the presenters a varied backdrop for the day's conversation.

The team also works beyond its regular studio programmes. Through Radio Airshow, Actual Radio provides a dedicated commentary service for the Clacton Airshow, reporting from the seafront and explaining the flying displays. This event coverage is a separate part of its output, connecting the station with one of the area's major public gatherings without making aviation the focus of its everyday service.

The Actual Radio Academy offers another local activity, with workshops covering presentation, audio production and voice work. Participants can work on recording and editing or develop a demonstration of their own presenting skills. Meanwhile, the station's events listings cover exhibitions, performances, wellbeing activities and family occasions around Colchester and neighbouring towns. Music and familiar voices are therefore accompanied by practical links to both local leisure and opportunities to take part in broadcasting.