Page last updated on: Thursday, February 20, 2014 TX Factor airs on Friday The UK's first TV show dedicated entirely to Amateur Radio launches just after midnight on Friday.



Petrol heads have their Top Gear, fans of antiques and cookery shows are spoilt for choice, but for far too long there has been nothing on TV for radio enthusiasts.



That all changes on Friday, February 21, 2014 with the launch of TX Factor - a half-hour show produced by broadcast professionals who are themselves radio amateurs.



Hosted by Bob McCreadie G0FGX, Mike Marsh G1IAR and Nick Bennett 2E0FGQ, the show will explore all aspects of the diverse and fascinating hobby which is amateur radio.



Nick Bennett has been employed in broadcast media all his working life and now brings that wealth of professional experience to the TX Factor: "I'm passionate about amateur radio and have always wished there was a high-quality TV show about my favourite subject, and as the main broadcasters haven't yet produced one we decided to make our own!"



The programme is free to view via http://www.txfactor.co.uk/ and will stream to a smart TV, PC, tablet or phone, adapting the quality to the speed of the connection. If the broadband is fast enough viewers can watch in full HD, but it also looks great on portable devices via 3G.



The show is sponsored by ML&S Martin Lynch and Sons Ltd, and Yaesu Musen Co, Japan. Martin G4HKS says: "When I saw the pilot version of TX Factor I was delighted to see our wonderful hobby at last given its own quality TV show and I knew I wanted to support this exciting new development. I think all hams will really enjoy the show and the opportunities it offers to promote the wide variety of interests within amateur radio."



Bob McCreadie G0FGX agrees it's great to have such well-respected sponsors associated with the TX Factor: "Just as with normal commercial TV our programmes are supported by advertising, but are completely editorially independent. TX Factor will aim to entertain and inform the amateur radio community with features on every kind of ham activity, new equipment reviews and developments from around the world."



The first episode includes a feature on Marconi's Atlantic leap, some hilltop SOTA activity and a report by Mike Marsh G1IAR from The Norman Lockyer Observatory Radio Group in Sidmouth, east Devon.



Mike is very keen on getting viewers involved with the show: "Clubs are a very important part of the radio scene in the UK and we hope to receive lots of news from clubs and individuals around the country on their exciting radio activities which will inspire features for future shows. This is very much a show for hams, by hams!"



Episode 1 of TX Factor will be available to view from Friday, February 21, 2014 at http://www.txfactor.co.uk/



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