Affinity Radio

Affinity Radio serves South Shields, Tynemouth, Newcastle and Gateshead from studios in Pelaw. Operated by Affinity Media NE CIC, it combines popular music with local stories, news and community features. The station's North East identity also extends to coverage of events including the Great North Run, Armed Forces Day and South Tyneside Parade Day, linking the studio with activities across its listening area.

The service developed from Radio Shields. Its small-scale DAB launch took place in December 2021, followed by expansion into Newcastle and Gateshead in December 2024. In June 2025 the services were brought together under the Affinity Radio North East name. That history explains the station's coverage across several neighbouring communities while retaining its connection with South Tyneside.

A featured programme is The 8 O'Clock Breakfast Club with Andy Sutton and Kyle Scott. Music and conversation are combined with the morning's stories and guests from local organisations, businesses and the wider community. Sutton's background includes North East commercial radio, while Scott began in community broadcasting at NE1fm and later founded the organisation behind Affinity. Their different experience informs a programme centred on local company and discussion.

Volunteers contribute both on air and behind the scenes, with training covering presentation, studio skills and programme preparation. Participants can work alongside experienced presenters before taking on their own contributions, and roles also include production, news and event support. Affinity's partnerships with community groups and local organisations complement that training activity, giving its music-led service a wider role in helping people participate in North East media.