Radio Wimborne goes live on FM

By Karen Wyatt-Epapara | mags@mags4dorset.co.uk

Since its inception in January 2014, Radio Wimborne has been steadily building its listener base through its internet radio model and is now ready to reach a wider audience as it has gone live on 94.6 FM.

While the station has regular listeners as far away as California, station directors Malcolm Angel and Kelly Webb are looking forward to increasing their local reach. Broadcasting on FM means people can listen while out and about and not have to rely on Internet connection to listen to their favourite shows.

The path to launching on FM has not been without its difficulties. The opportunity to apply for an FM licence only comes about every four years and the station was not able to apply until early 2019.

After more than six months, the licence was granted and the software needed was purchased. Plans to access grants to update equipment were scuppered by the pandemic as funding streams were diverted to organisations directly helping with the response efforts. Funding was eventually secured, the studio and transmitter set up, OFCOM was satisfied that its conditions had been met and the station went live on FM on 16 October.

Malcolm said he held a firm belief that a local radio station for local people, airing local news would complement Wimborne’s sense of community. “Wimborne can hold its own against larger towns as it has a heart. People want to hear positive, local news, which feeds back and helps grow a thriving community.”

He added: “We made sure we were a source of up-to-date information for people during the pandemic, with Kelly’s daily updates on where to get help and support. We also aim to cover local events such as Wimborne History Festival and Dreamboats events, so people who aren’t able to get out and about don’t miss out.”

Community spirit inside the station is just as important. Everyone involved is a volunteer and dedicated to the station’s success.

Malcolm paid particular tribute to two members: “We are especially lucky to have Chris Rigler and Glen Fowler on board. Both are very well-respected for their technical expertise in their fields of work and we could not have got up and running on FM without them.” Radio Wimborne is also behind Son et Lumière and Carols in the Cornmarket, both of which will be returning this year. You’ll be able to sing along to the Carols in the Cornmarket on 17 December, while Son et Lumière, a lightshow set to music, will take place on the evening of 18 December at the Minster.