Harman Patil (Editor)

FromeFM

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Slogan
  
In tune with everyone

Format
  
Community radio

Frequency
  
96.6 MHz

Broadcast area
  
Frome and surrounding area

First air date
  
16 June 2012 (current format)

Owner
  
Frome Community Productions CIC (Company Registration Number – 06585776, Community Radio Station ID – CR230)

FromeFM is a non-profit community radio station in Frome, Somerset, England. It is run by Frome Community Productions CIC and produced by over 80 volunteers. It broadcasts around 65 new programmes per month 24/7 online and on 96.6 MHz FM. FromeFM provides niche music programmes; Frome focussed debates and reportage; sustained support for and coverage of the work of community groups; and radio for children.

Contents

History

Frome FM started life as a small project back in 2005 at Frome Community College. It was resurrected in 2007 by Phil Moakes who, with the help of a small team of volunteers, produced and created varied radio programmes both online and on FM with a restricted service licence and broadcast from the attic of the Cheese and Grain.

In May 2008, FromeFM was established by Frome Community Productions CIC and moved into a brand new premises at The Old Fire Station where the station has undergone significant upgrades since, all with the help of fundraisers and sponsors alike.

In September 2009, FromeFM launched FFM – streaming service for mobile phones – to enable listeners to tune in whilst on the move. In 2012, Frome FM was granted a permanent licence by Ofcom to broadcast on 96.6 FM from a transmitter placed on top of the Memorial Theatre a short distance away. A launch event was attended by many local celebrities including actor Mark McGann, folk singer Cara Dillon and musician Sam Lakeman.

In December 2016 FromeFM moved into temporary accommodation into one of the old prison cells at The Old Police House, also in Christchurch Street West.

Key commitments

  • The Service will have a local sound to suit all age groups, with programming particularly reflecting that Frome has a strong foundation as a developing centre for the creative industries. Programme output will reflect this by delivering:
  • informed discussion and debate of local issues and news;
  • an outlet for creative expression through drama, arts and music;
  • support for community organisations, business and regeneration; and
  • radio for children.
  • Music based content will promote niche musical genres.
  • Both music and speech programmes will promote local performers, artists and writers.
  • Daytime output will typically comprise 70% music to 30% speech.
  • The service will provide a minimum of 20 hours of original output per week, mainly at weekends (original output is content specifically produced for this service but excluding repeats and automated material). The majority of output will be originated and produced within the target area.
  • The station will deliver a 24/7 service using automated replay of programmes where live material is unavailable.

    • Outside broadcasts

  • Frome Question Time – A series of Question Time style events relating to local issues in the down such as the Saxonvale development, 20 mph speed limits and free schools.
  • Frome Half Marathon – Frome's first 10K and Half marathon road races attracted around 700 entrants. FromeFM's coverage included an interview with one of the event sponsors, a chat with one of the designated charities who benefited from the money raised and on the spot reportage from the start/finish.
  • 2012 Olympic torch Relay – The first outside broadcast on 96.6 MHz FM came during test transmissions when the 2012 Olympic flame was carried through the town. There were contributions from the outgoing mayor of Frome, Nick White, a commentary from David Heath MP and interviews with some of the children who turned out to wave flags.

    • Frome Festival

    FromeFM provides extensive coverage of the Frome Festival events each year with daily breakfast shows instead of just the weekends and special editions of regular shows.

    References

    FromeFM Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA