Across the Line (BBC Radio Ulster)

Across the Line is a programme on BBC Radio Ulster (92– 95 FM). It broadcasts Monday, 8pm to 10.00 pm, presented by Rigsy (real name David O'Reilly). It is also known for its popular website at www.bbc.co.uk/atl.

Support for Northern Ireland music and musicians in central to the Across the Line editorial brief. Since its inception in 1986 as The Bottom Line, the programme has championed Northern Irish rock music and in particular bands from Northern Ireland.

Regular contributors have included Stuart Bailie (who also writes for NME magazine), Phil Taggart (BBC Radio 1), Niall Byrne (Nialler 9), Paul McClean, Helen Toland and Bernard Keenan. For several years Rigsy presented alongside Donna Legge and until early 2012 Paul Hamill presented the ATL Dance Show. Across the Line won gold at the PPI Awards (the Irish version of the Sony Radio Academy Awards) in 2008 and 2009.

Established on 8 September 1986, The Bottom Line was named after the Big Audio Dynamite song which the programme used as its theme tune. The original presenters were Mike Edgar, Davy Sims, Michael Bradley and Barry McIlheney. Mike Edgar had been drummer with Cruella de Ville and started the programme presenting on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Davy Sims was the producer and founder of the programme. He had been working in Downtown Radio before joining BBC Radio Ulster and presented the Thursday edition. Michael Bradley "Mickey", had been Bassist with The Undertones. He presented three out of four Friday editions. The monthly London edition of the programme was with Barry McIlheney, former editor of Smash Hits and Empire magazines.

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