Swindon FM

Swindon FM was a Local DAB radio station broadcasting to Swindon between 2003 and 2006, previously it broadcast as Swindon 107FM for two trial broadcasts in 2001 and 2002.

Everybody's Listening 2001/2002

Swindon 107FM (Which the station was originally named) broadcasted their first Restricted Service Licence (RSL) in September 2001. Founded by former Swindon Town F.C. Chairman Rikki Hunt and Local Jazz Musician Ray Butt who felt a need for new station in the area which GWR FM had for many years been the only commercial station, along with BBC Radio Wiltshire Sound (now BBC Radio Swindon/Wiltshire). Their target audience was between 25-55 and played popular artists from the 1950s to the present day that catered for their audience, including local artists with specialist music shows which the area had been lacking and a local news service.

They set up a studio in Swindon's Brunel Plaza, a shopping complex based in the Town centre where they had a wide range of guests and because of where their studio was positioned, you could peek through the window and see what was going on.

The Second RSL Broadcast was in June/July 2002, which focused more on local talent to present their shows creating a "Totally Swindon" Station. Both RSL's were quite successful and it was decided that they would apply for an analogue commercial radio licence from The Radio Authority, which they did in 2005 after Ofcom took over from the licensing process.

Bringing Swindon To You

In 2003 the group started broadcasting using new technology at their new studios at Swindon's Old Town Court. Digital Audio Broadcasting had been experimented by the BBC since 1990 and now it was Swindon FM's turn. Broadcasting on DAB only across the Swindon area they continued to run as they did on the 2002 RSL however Swindon FM was only on air between 6am-10pm on Saturday and Sundays, Which changed to a full 7 days later in the year. On the first weekend of the 7 day a week broadcasts in 2003, they ran down Swindon's favourite 100 songs as voted by the Swindon People.

The station had many features including "The What's On Guide" and "The winning Weekend" and the target audience was changed catering for 35 + audience focusing more on the older range of the scale and was run completely by volunteers. In late 2004 presenter James Patterson attempted his second record breaking attempt for "The Longest Radio Show in History" however was informed that he had failed on the first night due to an electricity failure.

In 2005 the group applied for the Local Radio license, however Ofcom decided in favour of another group, Now FM later renamed to Brunel FM owned by The Local Radio Company

Ahead of its time

Swindon FM ceased broadcasting in 2006 after difficulties with their premises, which left Swindon FM homeless. There was also the problem that Swindon FM was ahead of its time. It started broadcasting when Digital Radio was new and in its infancy, it was a case of right place, wrong time.

Swindon FM Community Radio

At the end of 2006, Ofcom Advertised the Community Radio Licenses for the southwest of England and south/mid Wales. Swindon FM Community Radio applied for this license but was unsuccessful and was awarded to Swindon 105.5 (Community Radio Swindon).

Presenters

Trivia

Jazz artist Jamie Cullum (whose father was a director of Swindon FM) was a presenter in the early years of the station.

Gina Akers, salon owner known for her time on Channel 4 (UK) made appearances at Swindon FM.

The space where Swindon 107FM's Restricted Service broadcasts from the Brunel Plaza used to be a Santa's grotto at Christmas in the 1980s and 90s until the complex was refurbished. It is now a juice Bar.

Swindon FM was the first Local DAB only station in the country.

External links

* [http://www.raybewes.co.uk/ Ray Bewes Website]
* [http://www.johnnyrobinson.co.uk/ Johnny Robinson's Website]