Fox FM (United Kingdom)

Infobox Radio station
name = Fox FM


area = Oxfordshire including Oxford, Banbury and Bicester
share = 12.2%
share as of = September 2007
share source = [http://www.rajar.co.uk/listening/quarterly_listening.php]
airdate = 15 September 1989
format = Contemporary
frequency = 102.6 MHz, 97.4 MHz
owner = Global Radio
website = [http://www.foxfm.co.uk/ www.foxfm.co.uk]

Fox FM is an local radio station, owned by GCap Media, broadcasting to Oxfordshire, United Kingdom on the frequencies 102.6 MHz FM from the Oxford transmitting station and 97.4 MHz FM from a relay station at Farthinghoe, near Banbury.

Formerly independent, it became part of Capital Radio, GCap Media and now, Global Radio. It was announced in September 2008 that the station, along with other One Network ones would be rebranded Heart by 2010 [ [http://www.radiotoday.co.uk/news.php?extend.3813.2 Radio Today] ] .

History

Fox FM was launched on Friday 15 September 1989 from an ex-carpet warehouse in Cowley, Oxford. "Fox" originally stood for 'First Oxfordshire', indicating its position as the first commercial radio station in Oxfordshire. The station was a joint venture between Capital Radio and County Sound. Jeremy Loyd (General Manager of Capital) and Mike Powell (Managing Director of County Sound) were the driving forces behind the licence application that won the frequency. The original presenters were Phil Miles, Steve Ellis, Tony James, Jane Markham (the Fox Report), Steve Priestly, Paul Evans, Stuart Cameron and Henry Aubrey-Fletcher. The Chairman was Julian (Toby) Blackwell and the Managing Director (MD) was Tom Hunter. In 1994, Sally Oldham became MD and Jean-Paul Hansford became the Programme Director (PD). The following year, the MD was Mark Flanagan and PD Phil Angell. In 1998, Capital Radio plc took full control of Fox and Lyn Long became MD.

In 2005, Fox FM became part of the GCap Media group, formed from the merger of GWR Group and Capital Radio. Following GCap's takeover in 2008, is now being integrated with Global Radio's portfolio and will be rebranded Heart by 2010. It was one of the thirty eight regional stations that formed One Network. Most daytime programmes are broadcast locally, with the exception of the mid-morning show which is a networked programme presented by Phillipa Collins. Most evening and overnight programmes are syndicated across The One Network for cost-cutting reasons.

Two of Fox FM's flagship shows are "Fox Breakfast with Matt and Giselle" on weekdays from 6-10am, and "The Big Drive Home", weekdays from 4-7pm with Fox FM's longest serving presenter of 11 years Adam Ball. These are likely to be the only programmes to survive the rebranding [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7619368.stm Axe to fall on local radio names (BBC)] ] .

Presenters

Identity

Like other stations in "The One Network", Fox FM uses similar idents - currently having the taglines "More Music Variety". The additional tagline of "Haven't you heard?" is used on the website and advertising but not spoken on air.

Despite being part of GCap since 2005, it retained the logo devised by Capital until September 2007, although its logo is now more in keeping with other One Network stations. Originally, its logo was a cartoon fox called "Freddy" whose nose and tail were poking out onto a radio dial which became highly recognisable in the Oxford area as it was distributed widely on car window stickers. [http://images.radcity.net/5899/2197214.jpg]

The Fox FM studios can be found in Pony Road, Oxford just in the Horspath industrial estate in Oxford and near the Cowley BMW factory where they have been since there in launch in 1989.

Local Heroes

Fox FM reward extraordinary people in their annual 'Local Heroes' awards. In 2003, four winners received accolades - including Young Person, Local Hero and Special Award. Andrew Baker, a fundraiser for John Radcliffe Oxford Children's Hospital in 2003 together with young singing star Zoe Mace in 2004. Fundraiser Jeff Samways and sea cadet volunteer Phil Pether were also amongst those honoured.

Help An Oxfordshire Child

Over the last six years, Fox FM has been committed to the community it serves - by raising thousands of pounds each year for their chosen charities in Help An Oxfordshire Child. In 2006, they raised £20,000 for many children's charities. In the past, Oxford Children's Hospital, The Oxfordshire Playbus and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society have benefitted. Events held in 2007 towards the campaign include the very first Oxford Santa Run, expected to raise £20,000, the Oxford Moonlight Stroll, a Christmas Toy Appeal and a charity football tournament held in Abingdon, Fox FM being amongst 20 teams taking part.

Help An Oxfordshire Child has pledged £40,000 to Oxford's New Children's Hospital.

Trivia

The first song played on Fox FM was the Billy Joel hit Uptown GirlFact|date=April 2008.

Fox FM organised fireworks displays in the Oxford area, usually held at RAF Abingdon (now Dalton Barracks) airfield.

Notes

External links

* [http://www.foxfm.co.uk/ Fox FM website]
* [http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/radiolicensing/amfm/AL127-3.htm Ofcom details of transmission]
* [http://www.arar93.dsl.pipex.com/mds975/Content/foxfm.html The Launch Of Fox FM In Oxfordshire]