It's official - Stray FM boss leaves with parting tribute to Harrogate radio station and 'community spirit'

Stray FM’s managing director, Sarah Barry, has left the radio station with a parting message praising Harrogate's great "community spirit."
Glory days - Departing managing director Sarah Barry had been part of the Stray FM team since 1994. Here she is pictured in an archive photo with former presenters Patrick Dunlop and Alex B Cann.Glory days - Departing managing director Sarah Barry had been part of the Stray FM team since 1994. Here she is pictured in an archive photo with former presenters Patrick Dunlop and Alex B Cann.
Glory days - Departing managing director Sarah Barry had been part of the Stray FM team since 1994. Here she is pictured in an archive photo with former presenters Patrick Dunlop and Alex B Cann.

The official announcement by owners Bauer Media comes after weeks of speculation inside Harrogate.

Sarah’s departure after more than 25 years at the Harrogate radio station follows the acquisition of Stray FM by Bauer Media which has seen the radio station rebranded today as Greatest Hits Radio from today, along with a number of other stations around the country as the giant multi-media company creates the UK’s biggest commercial radio network.

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Sarah had been part of the Stray FM team since shortly after the original launch on July 4, 1994 and served as managing director of the business since May 2003.

She said she had been proud of the station and her team, all of whom had contributed to a culture of success and fun which made it a joy to work for Stray FM.

Sarah Barry, departing managing director of Stray FM, said: “It’s been a privilege to serve communities across such a special and truly unique bubble of North Yorkshire.

"I doubt you'll find anywhere better in the UK for our community spirit, generosity and outright pride for where we live within the Harrogate and Craven districts.

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“I'd like to thank each and every single person who has connected with us over the years, I include all our stakeholders from listeners, charities, emergency and public services, suppliers and advertisers.

“Since before the founding of the station in the 90’s, the team at Stray FM have worked hard to create one of the most successful commercial radio stations of its size in the UK.

"To the Stray FM team past and present, I can only say that there is not a better team of people I could wish to know.

"Leading Stray FM has never felt like work, it’s been too much fun.

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"But somehow we managed to do both and get away with it even though we worked our socks off!

“I am incredibly proud to have been part of Stray FM and I wish everyone well for the next chapter.”

Dee Ford CBE, group managing director, Bauer Radio, said: “Sarah has been a key driving force in Stray FM’s success over the last 25 years – and in that time has made a truly invaluable contribution to local communities across Harrogate, Ripon and the surrounding areas.

“We’d like to sincerely thank Sarah and the whole team at Stray FM for their hard work on behalf of listeners – and wish them the best for the future.”

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