Central 103.1 FM

Infobox Radio Station
name = 103.1 Central FM


city =
area = Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire
branding =
slogan = All About the Forth Valley
airdate = 4 June 1990
frequency = 103.1 MHz
share = 5.5%
share as of = September 2007
share source = [http://www.rajar.co.uk/listening/quarterly_listening.php]
format = Contemporary and Memories
power =
erp =
class =
callsign_meaning =
owner = Local Radio Company PLC
website = [http://www.centralfm.co.uk www.centralfm.co.uk]

Central 103.1 FM is a radio station in the United Kingdom broadcasting to Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire from studios in Falkirk High Street.

Station origins

Local radio in the former Central region started with Centresound, one of a few "incremental" licences issued by the IBA.

This operation fell into financial difficulties and entered into a management contract with Radio Forth. The station was relaunched as Central FM, employing a new business model which included sharing programming, news provision and back office services with Radio Forth.

Despite the operational changes, the company was still not profitable, and in 1996, Radio Investments Limited increased its holding in the company to 60% and assumed operational control. The effective change in ownership led to the dissolution of the management agreement with Radio Forth, and ultimately to the relocation of the station from the John Player Building (aka the Stirling Enterprise Park) in Stirling to Falkirk.

After a round of radio group consolidation, EMAP plc currently hold 20% of Central FM, with the controlling interest (approx 60% of shares) held by RIL's successor company, The Local Radio Company PLC, and the remainder by independent investors, some of whom were involved in the original service, Centresound.

In 2008, the Local Radio Company sold their shares to the chairman, John Quinn who had been involved with the station for a number of years.