Frome FM is busy preparing for another five years broadcasting on 96.6FM following OFCOM’s approval to extend its licence to June 2022.
The station has big plans for the coming months, starting with a move to the refurbished Town Hall in spring, and new daytime shows, including a daily breakfast show, are in the pipeline along with improvements to the programme schedule.
Director for training and membership Rupert Kirkham said, “FromeFM is moving upwards and onwards. We have a full training schedule planned and more people contributing to the output and running of the station every month.
“In a month or so we’ll be setting up brand new studios at the town hall, bringing us closer to community groups and local people who have something to say to the people of Frome.
“The station’s membership grows by the day, producing over 23 hours of original content each week, with more than 70 shows broadcasting at regular intervals.”
FromeFM prides itself on supporting and working with community groups, charities and local organisations.
Many of them recently sent letters to OFCOM in support of the station’s application for the five year licence extension – including Lucia Chadwick from Active and In Touch, who wrote, “FromeFM is a highly valued service in our community. Many of the people that my charity, ‘Active and In Touch’, works with are isolated and can feel very lonely.
“When I visit my beneficiaries I will often recommend that they tune into FromeFM as a way of keeping in touch with the community around them. There is a great variety of programmes on the station catering for all sorts of different musical tastes and interest areas. The station has become part of the fabric of Frome – a much valued part of our community.”
Acting chairperson, Helen Ottaway said, “We’d love people with the time, imagination and interest in local affairs and a commitment to our community to step forward and help. We have dedicated teams of trainers and technicians who will give you the skills to make radio if you or your group want to use radio to spread your messages or find new members.
“We’re also looking for people to staff the new studios during the day – part-time volunteer receptionists to run the office, helping with administration, answering the phones, welcoming guests and taking studio bookings. These posts might help people ‘between jobs’, looking to return to work, or offer excellent work experience.
“As many FromeFM volunteers will tell you, getting involved with the station can help with self-confidence, oral and literary skills, and bring you into contact with many interesting people you may not get the chance to meet otherwise.”
FromeFM belongs to the community and is funded by sponsorship, advertising and membership subscriptions.
New sponsors are being encouraged to get on board and join the station on the next stage of its journey. The management team will be raising money to buy new equipment, including outside broadcasting kit. This will allow the station to provide even more support and coverage of community events and activities in and around Frome.
If you’d like to find out more about being involved, contact Rupert Kirkham or Helen Ottaway by sending an email to hello@frome.fm
