The new national speech station talkRADIO launched earlier this week, to much fanfare by owner Wireless Group PLC.
But presenters Iain Lee and Jon Holmes have spoken out against the premium rate phone number which the station have set up, and decided to setup their own 020 number, which will be included in most caller’s mobile phone packages.
Their new number is 020 8564 8004, and has been verified by the SAYNOTO0870.COM website.
Regarding the talkRADIO phone number, their website states:
Call the show on 0844 499 1000 (7p/min + chgs). Text TALK and your message to 87222 (25p + chgs).
For those that aren’t aware, the 7p a minute charge for calls to their 0844 number is set by talkRADIO. The “+ chgs” are your phone operator’s Access Charge.
According to the UK Calling Cost Calculator, typically calls to 0844 numbers cost between 0p and 7p per minute. Meaning your call to talkRADIO could cost between 7p and 14p per minute.
Whilst preparing for his return to commercial radio since LBC, Iain responded to questions about the cost of the phone number via Twitter.
It’s cheaper and on my show we will call you back. I think. https://t.co/Ha9QtVYPPF
— Iain Lee (@iainlee) March 14, 2016
Daytime talkRADIO presenter, Jon Holmes (pictured right), also commented about the cost of the premium rate phone number during his opening speech during his first show.
…we’ll call you back.
Reportedly Lee and Holmes are footing the bill for their 020 number, but a source has revealed that Holmes got it as part of his Virgin Media quad-play bundle.
Lee, Holmes and talkRADIO have not responded to comment on the alternative number, but Twitter followers appear to be over the moon about it.
@iainlee @ProperKath @talkRADIO Oh you guys, this is the best news ❤️
— Lauren Archell (@LaurenArchell) March 22, 2016
@iainlee whoop de dooo
— Andrew G (@andrewmgrice65) March 22, 2016
Update – 21:50 22nd March 2016:
Iain Lee’s producer, Katherine Boyle, has denied the new phone number exists. However the tweet was deleted shortly after, so here’s a screenshot.
@RadiAubergine @iainlee Nope. That’s balls.
— Katherine Boyle (@ProperKath) March 22, 2016
