Echoing the metamorphosis earlier this year of GWR into Heart FM, it has been revealed that Thornbury FM, the highly successful community radio station based in Thornbury, has decided to re-brand itself.
The news comes hot on the heels of Thornbury FM’s announcement that it has expanded its coverage area to encompass most of the South Gloucestershire region. True to its community roots, Thornbury FM plans to involve listeners in suggesting new names through running an on-air competition.
David Primrose – Vicar of Thornbury and Chairman of Thornbury FM: “Our new extended coverage area means that we need to change to ensure we are relevant to our new listeners. We need to reach-out to more local organisations in the community, involve yet more budding local presenters, and appeal to people across the wider South Gloucestershire area. To do this effectively we think we need to find a new name that recognises that we now serve more than just Thornbury”
Glyn Roylance – Director and Station Engineer. “Since we started in 2005 we have always worked hard to invest wisely and uphold the highest technical standards. It was rewarding to have this recognised by Ofcom during a recent visit. This next step in our journey has been made possible by installing some extra equipment which permits us to move our transmitter to high ground near the A38. This means we will be heard from Bradley Stoke to Berkeley and Chipping Sodbury to Chepstow.
The station is also mulling a move to become a permanent radio station which broadcasts 365 days per year. There are expectations that the Government regulator Ofcom may invite applications for a permanent licence. In recent years Ofcom has granted over 200 such community radio licences, leading to a renaissance in true local radio whilst the commercial stations continue to merge into regional and semi-national stations.
Thornbury FM returns to the airwaves on 2 November on 87.7 FM. Meanwhile its webcast can be heard 365 days a year at www.thornburyfm.org.
