LuckyFM Ibaraki Broadcasting System
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 Logo used since 2021 | |
 | |
| |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Ibaraki Prefecture |
| Frequencies | |
| Branding | LuckyFM Ibaraki Broadcasting |
| Programming | |
| Language | Japanese |
| Format | Talk, Sports |
| Affiliations | National Radio Network |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | LuckyFM Ibaraki Broadcasting System Co., Ltd. |
| History | |
First air date | October 9, 1962 |
Former names |
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| Technical information | |
Licensing authority | MIC |
| Links | |
| Website | lucky-ibaraki |
LuckyFM Ibaraki Broadcasting System (LuckyFM茨城放送, LuckyFM Ibaraki Hōsō), formerly simply known as Ibaraki Broadcasting System (茨城放送, Ibaraki Hōsō), is a Japanese commercial radio station covering Ibaraki Prefecture. Following the installation of FM relay stations, it adopted the LuckyFM nickname and changed to its current name. The station uses the JOYF calls for the Mito station, while the AM relay station in Tsuchiura uses the JOYL calls until its shutdown in 2024.
IBS was founded in September 1962 and started broadcasting on April 1, 1963, when JOYF (1200kc, 1kW) started (its power was increased to 5kW in 1977).[1] JOYL started broadcasting on January 20, 1965 (1560kc, 100W output, moved to 1460kHz in December 1972 and increased its output to 1kW). On November 23, 1978, in accordance with the Geneva Frequency Plan, JOYF moved to 1197kHz and JOYL to 1458kHz.
Initially independent, it joined the National Radio Network in 2001. Its corporate structure changed on July 20, 2011, moving to a new subsidiary company, IBS Co, Ltd.[2][3]
On July 21, 2015, IBS applied for complementary FM licenses in Mito, as part of a move initiated by AM radio stations.[4][5] The Mito FM station received its full license on August 13,[6] then on August 17, FM broadcasts started. In conjunction, the station started using i-FM as its commercial name rather than IBS.[7] A license for a transmitter in Hitachi (Takasuzuyama) was received on September 3,[8][9] receiving a full license on December 3[10] and starting on December 7.[10][11] A preliminary license for a further relay station, in Moriya, was obtained on March 30, 2017,[12] then receiving its full license on April 6[13] and started on April 7.[13][14]
On March 19, 2020, Mito Ibaraki Initiative increased its shares in IBS to 45,83%.[15] A disaster cooperation agreement with Radio Fukushima and Tochigi Broadcasting was signed on September 1.[16]
On April 1, 2021, the station's commercial name became LuckyFM and changed its website.[17][18] LuckyFM was added to IBS's corporate name on February 1, 2024.