Contrary to my previous news round up of analogue stations, Radio 2 Funky have not yet launched on 95.0 FM. Their launch has been delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 virus outbreak. The station specialises in urban music and culture, and can currently be found on online.
Community Radio
Radio 2 Funky Launched Today
Analogue Radio Updates
First up, a number of new community radio stations have recently launched. Back in March, Blackburn’s 102.2 had launched by the 14th. Riviera Radio, based in Torbay has launched on 107.9 FM. Leicester station Radio 2 Funky has also launched, this time on 95.0 FM. Bristol based SWU FM are testing ahead of launch on…Read moreRead more
Cut Backs at BFBS
Forces radio station BFBS (which identifies on air as Forces Radio BFBS) has removed its Brize Norton version of the station from DAB. BFBS Brize Norton had held a mono, 80 kbps second slot on the Oxfordshire local DAB multiplex. A reason for the removal is yet to be established, although the FM service continues…Read moreRead more
Chorley FM Closes and Hand Backs License
Chorley FM, a community radio station for the Chorley area of Lancashire, has closed abruptly, and have handed back their license to Ofcom. No reason has yet been given for the closure. A police investigation had been launched In March after allegations that a director at the station had been sexually assaulted whilst working at…Read moreRead more
North Cotswold Community Radio Appeal for Volunteers
North Cotswold Community Radio, a community radio station based in Chipping Campden, have announced that they are at risk of closure due to a lack of volunteers. The station launched in 2007, broadcasts online with a variety of programmes specifically for the North Cotswold area. They would like to hear from anyone with an interest…Read moreRead more
BCfm Suffers Fire
Bristol community radio station BCfm suffered an unfortunate fire recently, destroying their studio. Although the full cause is not yet known, an electrical fault is the suspected cause. The station has already recommenced limited broadcasts, and have launched a fundraiser to raise some money towards rebuild costs. Whilst the station does have insurance, it is…Read moreRead more
Nova Radio and NE1 FM Merge
Online station Nova Radio and community radio station NE1 FM have merged. Nova Radio can now be heard on 102.5 FM across the West of Newcastle, and parts of the Gateshead area. The exact date of the merge is unclear, but it appears to have taken place in the past 2 weeks. A new website…Read moreRead more
Buchan Radio to Launch on FM
Community radio station Buchan Radio will launch on 107.9 FM on at 1pm on Monday 4th February 2019, broadcasting the the Buchan and Peterhead area of North East Scotland. Buchan Radio is has been broadcasting online since 2013, but is currently off-air whilst the FM preparations take place. Their website can be found at www.buchanradio.com.
Station Updates
There have been a few changes to some local DAB multiplexes: On Trial Glasgow, Gaydio has switch to 128 kbps joint stereo, whilst Radio Saltire has ceased, and Timeless Radio and Your Radio have been observed without audio streams (possible either closing or have ceased). On Trial Birmingham, 45 Radio has joined using DAB+ (receiver…Read moreRead more
Small Scale DAB Extensions
All current small-scale DAB multiplexes in the UK have had their licenses extended until March 31st, 2020. These multiplexes allow small commercial and community stations the opportunity to broadcast on DAB at an affordable cost. The current small-scale multiplexes are: Aldershot Birmingham Brighton Bristol Cambridge Glasgow Central London Manchester Norwich Portsmouth The license extension is to…Read moreRead more