Radio Durham OnAir

Durham OnAir launched on 5 November 2020 to provide a local service for County Durham, Darlington and the surrounding North East. Its output combines familiar music from several decades with news, conversation and sport. Local performers can submit their recordings, giving music made in the area an opportunity to appear alongside more widely known artists.

Sam Lupton and Friday presenter Matthew Donnachie are among the breakfast voices, while Damian Robinson presents Durham Drive. Sue Sweeney contributes listener conversation, and the specialist line-up includes rock with Stuart Laundy and sixties selections with Chris Coxon. Other programmes explore the seventies, jazz, country and soul, extending the musical range beyond the general daytime selection.

The Durham Podcast adds longer conversations about the city and county, including independent businesses, places to visit and cultural activity. Its contributors consider both residents' and students' experiences. Episodes have featured playwright John Godber, performers appearing at Darlington Hippodrome and events at The Witham in Barnard Castle. Interviews with people involved in the Durham independent book festival add a literary strand to the coverage.

Sport includes coverage of Spennymoor Town, connecting the service with a club whose supporters are part of its local audience. News, travel and weather provide everyday information alongside the entertainment. Rather than treating the North East as one interchangeable place, Durham OnAir gives particular attention to County Durham's towns, cultural venues and businesses, with presenter-led programmes and extended interviews offering different ways to hear about life in the area.