Burst Radio

Infobox Radio Station
name = BURST (Bristol University Radio Station)


city = Bristol
airdate = 1998
format = Music & Speech
frequency = [http://137.222.136.150:8000/BURST.mp3.m3u Online] and on 1134AM (Stoke Bishop)
owner = University of Bristol Union
station manager = William Griffiths
website = [http://www.burstradio.org.uk www.burstradio.org.uk]

BURST or Bristol University Radio Station is the radio station run by students of the University of Bristol. Its studios are located within the University of Bristol Union building, and it broadcasts online [cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/clubs/2003/05/burst/burst.shtml |title=BBC - Clubs and gigs in Bristol - Burst goes online ] and on AM locally in the Stoke Bishop area of the city, as well as via speakers in the students' union. The station was initially known as BURST FM, but this name has now been dropped as the station no longer regularly broadcasts on FM. The station is generally not on air overnight or during university vacations [cite web |url=http://www.burstradio.org.uk/node/490 |title=End of Year |accessdate=2008-06-03] .

History of BURST

In 1995, students from Bristol University and the University of the West of England (UWE) co-operated to run Fresh FM. After Fresh FM ceased to exist, BURST FM was conceived by Bristol University students in 1997. When sufficient funds had been raised, a one month licence to broadcast on 106.6 FM was awarded for March 1998. [ [http://www.unofficial-guides.com/guides/bristol-media.html unofficial-guides.com - Bristol University ] ] Housed in St Paul's Church in Clifton.

However, the unavailability of further FM licences due to the launch of a new full time station (The Eagle, now renamed Star) prevented further broadcasts.In early 2000 speakers were installed within the Union building, and broadcasts mounted for during Fresh (Bristol University's freshers' week) 2000. At the same time, a grant from the Alumni foundation allowed BURST to stream programming onto the internet around campus.

An application was made for a further FM licence for Autumn 2000, the subsequent award of this meant that BURST was back on 106.6 FM with a Restricted Service Licence. [http://www.burstradio.org.uk/about/history] An application was made for another one-month licence in Summer 2001. This licence was also awarded, as well as a subsequent one in November 2001. In 2003, BURST began broadcasting via the internet permanently [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/bristol/content/clubs/2003/05/burst/burst.shtml BBC - Clubs and gigs in Bristol - Burst goes online ] ] .

In 2005, a move was made to start broadcasting on AM. After preparation, broadcasting on 1134 AM began for the first time in October 2007, with a transmitter in Stoke Bishop. [ [http://www.burstradio.org.uk/node/104 About Burst Radio | Burst Radio ] ]

The start of AM broadcast coincided with new management and re-branding of the station. Burst went from an orange/ blue logo to a new orange/red/white colour scheme, that is still in place today. [ [http://www.burstradio.org.uk Welcome To Burst Radio | Burst Radio ] ]

In September 07, the station made moves to update its studios and computer systems in advance of the new academic year and in preparation for the launch on AM. Under the flag of Project Excalibur, the on-air studio was refurbished and new IT equipment was installed. [ [http://www.epigram.org.uk/view.php?id=1800 Epigram Online - BURSTing to be heard! ] ] This culminated in a live broadcast with BBC 6 music. [ [http://www.epigram.org.uk/pics.php?id=1827 Epigram Online - BURST Radio back with a bang after renovation ] ]

Over Christmas 2007, the technical team revamped Burst's production studio, bringing it fully up to date with advances in technology since the station was founded, and in line with the changes in the next door on-air studio. [cite web |url=http://www.burstradio.org.uk/node/104 |title=About Burst Radio |accessdate=2008-06-03 |publisher= |date= ]

The Andy Barber Show hit the air in November 2007, first on the afternoon slot, but then moved to the breakfast slot. The show received rave reviews for its outrageous nature, and exciting blend of high jinks, music, competitions and bizarre guest interviews. Notably, on the first show, Tobin Web, the Union president came in for a lighthearted chat, which resulted in rumors regarding his sexuality.

In 2008, the team launched the first ever student radio soap, The Arches, in collaboration with the student newspaper. [ [http://www.burstradio.org.uk/node/285 The Arches | Burst Radio ] ] [ [http://www.epigram.org.uk/view.php?id=2194 Epigram Online - The Arches on Bristol student radio ] ] A new union show was also launched. [ [http://www.burstradio.org.uk/node/279 SAB-otage | Burst Radio ] ]

Facilities

The station's facilities consist of the "On-Air Studio" from which most programmes are presented, also containing the station's webcam. There is a secondary "Production Studio" which is mainly used for recording and editing sessions for both live music acts and speech. However, it can also be used as a backup live studio should the On-Air Studio be unavailable. There is also a set of toilets available for presenters and guests, as well as two cupboards, one used for general storage and the other as a server room.

Notable Persons

Notable former broadcasters include the comedian Marcus Brigstocke, Classic FM's Nicola Bonn and GWR Bristol breakfast host Paris Troy.

References