Transmitting at 107 FM, Spark FM went live and full-time at 8am in front of a gathered crowd at CitySpace.

Presented and produced by University of Sunderland staff and students, Spark’s first breakfast show got underway with live music and competitions.

See video from the launch below.

This home defeat to Wigan Athletic sees them only three points away from the drop-zone.

With 10 games left to play it appears that just as last season, the Wearsiders will be going into the run-in uncertain as to which division they’ll be in next season.

Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia said: “It was a disappointing performance and we didn’t take the game to Wigan.”

New additions to the Wigan squad, Ben Watson and former Newcastle midfielder Charles N’Zogbia, got the goals, making the most of Sunderland’s poor defending.

Kenwyne Jones and Djibril Cisse were way off their best, but the pair can still be a handful and a Jones flick on to set up Grant Leadbitter’s low-drilled equaliser was pleasing to see.

Sbragia was however very disappointed with his side’s attempts at shutting out Wigan.

From the moment in the 12th minute his collective midfield and defence stood off Ben Watson, allowing his well placed volley to find the bottom corner, Sunderland looked vulnerable.

The natural elation at drawing level through Leadbitter lasted for four minutes, as the Latics’ other January acquisition N’Zogbia picked up the ball inside his own half.

With Dean Whitehead trailing in his wake after an attempted challenge, and Tal Ben Haim reluctant to commit himself for fear of fouling, N’Zogbia cantered towards the six-yard box before slipping coolly past keeper Marton Fulop.

“We got back to 1 – 1 and then gave a sloppy goal away for the second…the decision making was poor,” said Sbragia.

With no real chances created, as the final whistle blew, the home side felt the wrath of their fans.

Much to ponder then for Sbragia, with two tough trips to Manchester City and Wes Ham imminent, Sunderland need to find some form and quickly to avoid the drop.