RED, as it is called in short, was part of the University of Essex Media Guild, along with newspaper The Rabbit and television station SX:TV.

[citation needed] It was broadcast on 998 kHz (301 metres) using a "leaky cable" system which ran through ducting in the 'six towers' of student residences and was designed to ensure it could not be heard off-campus.

RED organises many events throughout term, including "The End": a BYOB and live music semi "rave", that occupies all 3 of the main squares of the University of Essex.

The decision to appoint a Station Manager was part of a process to have the UoE SU's Media Heads all be paid.

The idea was to "bring it into age", dropping the 1404am and promoting the online aspects of the station, by marketing with the name and logo of 'RED Radio'.