Should Bay FM 107.9 be granted a full time radio licence?

By soulman1 at 21:30 on 08/07/09

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Bay FM is a radio station unlike any other on the dial; a station staffed by volunteer presenters and journalists talking about real life issues. Community radio licences are intended for social gain and community empowerment. It is a not for

Profit and is not a commercial venture.

We aim to use radio for:

· An engagement tool for the local and wider communities

· An education and training resource

· An information and advice service

· A platform for local talent

Our programmes cover all aspects of the life and music of Exmouth. We know we could showcase more local talent, discuss local topics, focus on education, local sport and say what needs to be said about the community of Exmouth! You tell us what you would like to hear on your Community Radio Station.

Bay FM belongs to the Exmouth community and exists to celebrate and support our diverse, artistic and vibrant town. Bay FM is not profit, just to make great radio. We can’t describe how excited we are about the possibilities that Bay FM will open for Exmouth and the surrounding communities.

Bay FM as part of the community will be a very powerful communication tool for local schools, businesses, and for the tourist industry, and could play a big part in helping to raise money for charities and good causes.

What do you think? Should Exmouth have its own community radio station?

By soulman1 at 21:30 on 08/07/09
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Sounds like a great idea to me - certainly, a really good way for schools and businesses to connect. What self-respecting seaside town doesn't have its own Bay FM radio anyway?! It could also be a great way for young people to get work experience, or coverage of success with bands or other ventures.

By ALGrace at 22:26 on 08/07/09
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I love community radio stations and I reckon Bay FM definitely deserves a full time licence.

By captainplanet at 11:46 on 09/07/09
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Community Radio is great, its so useful and enjoyable... with smaller radio stations people get more involved in their neighborhood.
Bay FM seems to have their priorities right and if they are as organised as it seems they most definitely deserve a licence.

By Fizzwizz at 23:42 on 14/07/09
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With so many people aleady missing Bay Fm and so much hard work to get the station so slick and community friendly it would be a great shame for Bay FM not to get a full time licence.

By Devon Mobile Disco at 01:41 on 24/07/09
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We live in a Commercial World and Radio really changed after Pirates forced the issue. Commercial Radio was born underpinned by inane BBC Local Radio. Like Commercial TV - your own non profit TV Station would not be welcome. There is money from the licence to the broadcast to be made. If you have been to a modern Commercial Radio Station, particularly those that broadcast more then one Station. It is like visiting a battery hen farm, glass cubicles containing a DJ/Presenter. The early days of Commercial Radio were pioneering and fun. Now it very controlled speech and forced fun (in some quarters).

By pobox112 at 12:36 on 16/01/11
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Interesting view Pobox112, but I'm unclear if you're in favour of Bay FM 107.9, and whether it should be granted a full-time licence?
You say, "Like Commercial TV - your own non profit TV Station would not be welcome."
Bay FM is not a TV station. It is a not-for-profit community radio station, primarily aimed at Exmouth and surrounding villages. Since 2006 it has broadcast six FM trial broadcasts and is currently broadcasting an online service. It offers a wide range of music from the 1950s-1990s, plus local news and community issues.
Currently there is no other radio station specifically covering Exmouth. Heart and Exeter FM are unable to serve Exmouth properly. Bay FM – good though it is as an online service – would be able to serve the community more effectively if it was on the FM.
So, the question (posed by soulman1) remains. Should Bay FM 107.9 be granted a full-time FM licence? I say yes, as its coverage of local news and community issues would increase.

By TheGreenMan at 09:09 on 17/01/11
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Thank you everyone for your responses to this discussion thus far. With regard to Pobox112 like TheGreenMan I'm a little confused. I understand what you are saying about Comercial radio and TV but that is not relevant to this discussion. Bay FM is a community radio station serving Exmouth and nearby surrounding areas. It is a not-for-profit station that hopefully if granted a full time radio licence from OFCOM will serve the community well. Thank you for sharing your views which as always are most welcome.

By soulman1 at 17:11 on 18/01/11
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