Cross Rhythms

Cross Rhythms is a Christian media organisation based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. It operates an FM and online radio station, produces radio shows sent internationally, and its website has resources on contemporary Christian music.

In 1983, broadcaster Chris Cole started a 30-minute weekly Christian music radio show on Plymouth Sound FM, an Independent Local Radio station in Plymouth. Originally titled The Solid Rock of Jesus Christ, the programme aired on Sunday evenings. It grew into a one-hour programme, and became one of the most listened to programmes in its time slot in South Devon. The show continued until 1996.

In May 1990, music journalist Tony Cummings founded the magazine Cross Rhythms Magazine. In 1991, publication of the magazine was taken over by Cole's publishing company, Cornerstone House. The radio show was renamed the Cross Rhythms Experience in 1992 and became a syndicated show in 1993.

Also in 1991, Cross Rhythms took over the organisation and management of what had previously been the Umberleigh Rock Gospel Festival. The event was renamed to the Cross Rhythms Festival, and continued to be held annually until 2003. By 1995 the magazine had a readership of about 15,000.

Cross Rhythms, in partnership with United Christian Broadcasters, launched a satellite radio channel broadcasting to the UK and Europe on digital satellite in 1998. At the same time, Cross Rhythms moved base from Plymouth to Stoke-on-Trent to share facilities with UCB. The partnership continued until 2002, when Cross Rhythms was granted a pilot licence for a new form of local radio, then called Access Radio but now known as Community Radio. Cross Rhythms City Radio went on air in February 2002.

At the same time as obtaining the FM licence for Cross Rhythms City Radio, Cross Rhythms moved out of UCB's HQ and into Conway House, the former home of BBC Radio Stoke.

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