1986 in British radio

This is a list of events in British radio during 1986.

Events

• March – Derek Jameson takes over the Radio 2 breakfast show from Ken Bruce.
• April – Mike Read presents his final Radio 1 Breakfast Show after five years in the hot seat.
• 13 April – Bruno Brookes takes over as the host for the UK Singles Chart.
• May – Mike Smith takes over the Radio 1 breakfast show from Mike Read.
• 30 September – BBC Radio Jersey begins experimental broadcasting of States of Jersey proceedings. The broadcasts are made a permanent feature from 25 November.
• 12 October – After three months of non-stop music, Ocean Sound begins broadcasting. Replacing Radio Victory in East Hampshire, but also introducing commercial radio to Southampton, Winchester and the Isle of Wight, the station transmits with split frequencies; Ocean Sound West on 103.2FM and 1557AM and Ocean Sound East on 97.5FM (former 95FM transmitter for Radio Victory) and 1170AM, the former AM transmitter of the former ILR station.

Station debuts

• 12 October – Ocean Sound
• 5 November – BBC Radio Derby

Changes of station number

Births

• 25 February – Jameela Jamil, model, and television and radio presenter