problems with the rigging supporting its antenna mast meant that the ship had to put in at Falmouth for repairs, and because of this delay Radio Caroline went on air first, on 28 March 1964. Radio Atlanta began test broadcasts on 12 May 1964. Its earliest tests were on 1520 kHz (197 metres), the same frequency as Caroline, after Caroline's evening closedown and were clearly intended to steal Caroline's audience. Official programming began shortly afterward on 1493 kHz (201 metres). The DJs never referred to the Mi Amigo by name, but as "The Good Ship Radio Atlanta". The majority of Radio Atlanta's programmes were pre-recorded in London and were rushed out to the ship for transmission on the same day or the next. On occasions when bad weather made this impossible, the onboard DJs had to present more live shows. Radio Atlanta remained on the air for less than 2 months, until 2 July 1964. Audiences and advertising revenue had not lived up to expectations, and Crawford was reluctantly forced to join with O'Rahilly's Caroline, and become Radio Caroline South. Crawford remained in charge of Caroline South until late 1965, when he left and O'Rahilly took overall control of both Carolines. After Atlanta Crawford's "Project Atlanta" remained in control of Caroline South until late 1965, but the station continued to lose ground as new stations came on the air, notably Radio London. Eventually Crawford pulled out, leaving O'Rahilly in charge of both Caroline ships, and Caroline South's audience figures improved under its new management. See also Clint Murchison - Texas entrepreneur and promoter of U.S. political interests Gordon McLendon - U.S. broadcasting pioneer from Texas who created Radio Nord Radio Nord - Swedish offshore radio ship that became the new home of Radio Atlanta Ronan O'Rahilly - Owner of Radio Caroline Oliver Smedley - British Army Major, Liberal Party member and promoter of Radio Atlanta Radio Caroline - Radio Atlanta became Radio Caroline South. References Notes Sources Richard Cockett, Thinking the Unthinkable: Think-Tanks and the Economic Counter-Revolution, 1931-1983. Fontana, 1995. - Background of Major Oliver Smedley External links Radio Atlanta in the Pirate Radio Hall of Fame - Contains many audio, visual and text biographical stories relating to personal involved in the 1964 venture. Alan Crawford interview from 1984 Radio Seagull Offshore radio Radio stations in England Pirate radio stations in the United Kingdom Radio stations established in 1964 Radio