Hits Radio has arrived!

Here’s everything you need to know

Published 17th Apr 2024

There’s so much to be excited about, as Steve & Karen will be waking you up with the biggest hits, throwbacks and huge laughs each weekday morning from 6am. Gemma Atkinson will be back with Mike Toolan each weekday afternoon to get you home in the funniest way possible, and we could change your life with Million Pound Make Me A Winner! Plus every evening Sam Thompson will be hanging out with the biggest stars to end your day in the perfect way.

Check out everything you need to know below.

Why have you changed your name to Hits Radio Teesside?

TFM was already part of the Hits Radio Network, and this name change means we’ll be more clearly identified as part of our family network of shows.

Will I still be able to listen to Steve and Karen?

Yes! Steve and Karen will wake you up with the biggest hits and biggest throwbacks, weekday mornings from 6am-10am.

Will the music that you play change?

No. We will still have our same great playlist of the biggest hits and biggest throwbacks brought to you by our presenter line-up including Steve and Karen, Fleur East, Sam Thompson, Sarah-Jane Crawford, Gemma Atkinson and Mike Toolan. See our playlist.

Will you still be local?

Yes! As Hits Radio North East, we’ll still bring you all your local news and information, traffic and travel and Steve and Karen at breakfast.

Will you still support Cash for Kids?

Yes! We’ll still be supporting fundraising for disadvantaged young people within our community through our Cash for Kids charity.

Will local advertising be affected?

Not at all. Our advertising opportunities for local commercial partners remain unchanged.

How will I listen to Hits Radio Teesside?

There are many ways you can listen to Hits Radio Teesside from online, to our app, on FM and DAB, here's our complete guide to how to listen.

How can I listen on my Smart Speaker?

Amazon Alexa: "Alexa, play Hits Radio Teesside"

Google Home: "Ok Google, play Hits Radio Teesside."

Apple HomePod: "Hey Siri, play Hits Radio Teesside."

Will I need to change how I listen to you on FM?

No it won’t change, you can still listen on 96.6FM

Do I need to download a new App to listen?

If you already have our app, head to your app store and update it. If not, you can download below:

Hits Radio iOS app

Hits Radio Android app

Can I still listen to Hits Radio Teesside while in the car?

You can listen to Hits Radio Teesside on 96.6FM and on DAB with a low-cost DAB converter or adapter. You can also download the TFM App on your phone and connect to us via Bluetooth or USB connector, type in 'Hits Radio Teesside' into your App store on your phone and you can download the App for free.

Do I need to change how I connect with you on social media?

No, you don't need to do anything different. If you don’t already follow us then you can find the links below:

Like Hits Radio Teesside on Facebook

Follow Hits Radio Teesside on Twitter

Follow Steve and Karen's Breakfast Show on Twitter

Follow Hits Radio Teesside on Instagram

How will I find local news?

You can read all the latest news online, listen on the hour online, on your radio or the Hits Radio Teesside App.

Will I still receive regular emails from you?

You'll need to opt into our new emails to make sure you receive information. We’ll share details for how you can do this soon.

Will your website change?

Our website has updated to ‘hitsradio.co.uk’ and from there you’ll just need to select North East as your local region and you will continue to receive the localised version, with all the information relevant to where you are.

How can I enter competitions?

You will continue to find out about our huge competitions on-air by listening through the day or exploring our dedicated win section on our website, which will be unique to each Hits Radio station.

I have a prize/offer voucher with the station – will this still be valid?

There are no changes to our prizes or offers, and the validity period will remain the same.

How can I contact the station?

Our contacts remain the same. Any queries regarding the name change should be directed to enquiries@tfm.co.uk.

I’m a local business and want to understand more about the changes, who do I speak to?

If you already have a contact at the business, please feel free to reach out to them as normal or contact enquiries@tfm.co.uk to direct you to the relevant team.

Steve and Karen's Breakfast Show

Wake up in the North East with Steve and Karen, for the biggest hits and biggest throwbacks, weekday mornings from 6am-10am.

Born and bred right here in the North East, Steve and Karen even attended the same primary school - and they didn't even know it! The iconic duo began working together back in 2000, when Karen read the news on Steve’s show. As it's clear to see, the pair quickly hit it off - and Steve and Karen's Breakfast Show was born in January 2001.

Get to know the presenters on our weekly and weekend schedule:

Angellica Bell, James Barr & Matt Haslam

Wake the fun up on Saturday mornings with Angellica Bell, James Barr & Matt Haslam. Angellica is sitting in for Fleur while she taking a break with her baby! This jam-packed show brings you the biggest laughs, the biggest competitions and your favourite stars all while playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks Saturdays from 9am.

Gemma Atkinson & Mike Toolan

Gemma Atkinson & Mike Toolan get you home weekdays from 4pm. Expect plenty of laughs with the biggest hits and throwbacks!

Sam Thompson

Every weeknight Hits Radio is THE place to be, as Sam Thompson brings you The Hits Radio Evening Show from 7pm. He's joined by the world's biggest stars and has the best playlist to soundtrack your evening.
Plus, on Sunday afternoons Sam Thompson counts down the UK's 40 biggest hits on the Hits UK Chart.

Tom Green

Tom Green kicks off your workday from 10am with an entire hour of huge throwbacks.
Then continue your day with a tasty selection of hits, throwbacks and a lot to make you smile!

Hattie Pearson

We don't do the post lunch slump! From 1pm, there's big tunes all afternoon and MASSIVE money to be won, Hattie will see you through your afternoon in style.

Owen Warner

Owen Warner kickstarts your weekend on Friday Night Hits and Saturday Night Hits from 7pm. He's got the ultimate playlist to get you ready for the weekend, with the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks as well as some incredible celebrity guests. Don't miss it!

Mary Mandefield

Mary Mandefield gives your Sunday morning the kickstart it needs with hits, throwbacks and plenty of giggles as you wake up. Listen Sunday morning from 6-9am.

Wes & Sheree

Spend your Sunday morning with Wes Butters and Sheree Murphy. Loads of great tunes and a good laugh to kick off your Sunday. Listen from 9am.

Sarah-Jane Crawford

Whether you're heading back from the shops, the game or getting ready for an evening at home, our very own SJC has the perfect mix of Hits and Throwbacks to take your Saturday afternoon into Saturday night mode! Join Sarah-Jane Crawford Saturday afternoons from 4-7pm. You can also catch Sarah-Jane weeknights from 10pm on Hits Radio.

Stephanie Hirst

Your Saturday night party is ON with Stephanie Hirst's belters! From 11pm every Saturday Stephanie plays nothing but the best dance-floor throwbacks from the 90s & 00s. Plus, every Sunday evening from 7pm, Steph plays nothing but the biggest throwbacks in the mix.

How do I log in to listen to Hits Radio Teesside?

If you've already got an account, all you need to do is click the big 'sign in' button at the top right-hand corner of the website, on the app, you will be prompted to sign in upon opening.

What are the benefits to being logged in?

We’re glad you asked! When you are logged in, we can offer you the best service possible. This includes full access to our on-demand content, ability to subscribe to our shows and be notified of new shows, plus you can also ‘Continue Listening’ by picking up where you left off, even if you are on a different device.

If you don't already have a Hits Radio Teesside or Planet Radio account, on the browser you'll need to head to the ‘sign in’ button in the corner to create an account, or follow the instructions when prompted the next time you access the website or app.

How to listen to Hits Radio Teesside:

Turn it up with Hits Radio Teesside! Home of Steve and Karen’s Breakfast Show, Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on 96.6FM, DAB, online, or ask your smart speaker to ‘Play Hits Radio Teesside’.