[citation needed] ORLA.fm was launched on 18 May 2006 by George Matlock, a journalist since 1990,[4] after the BBC's decision to close many European language radio services in December of the previous year.

The launch date was chosen to mark the birthdate of the Polish Pope John Paul II.

[1] Initially broadcasting exclusively online to an audience of 60,000,[6] ORLA.fm was a community-based radio station which also accepts advertising and covered major Polish community events.

The station co-produced a 4-part bi-lingual biography of Prince Michal Kleofas Oginski, reportedly the composer of the Polish national anthem.

London Bridge ceased to broadcast in 2014, although podcasts of many of the shows are in the process of being rolled out on the station's on-demand platform.[when?]

[citation needed] Since the strategic review, ORLA.fm has focused on on-demand podcasts and its website is HTML5-compliant, ensuring content can be easily streamed or downloaded from any browser on devices like smartphones and tablets.