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About us

Some of the FromeFM volunteers

Some of the FromeFM volunteers

FromeFM is a Frome based non-profit community radio station run by Frome Community Productions CIC. Produced by over 100 members, it broadcasts new programmes every month online and on 96.6FM. FromeFM provides niche music programmes; Frome focussed debates and reportage; sustained support for and coverage of the work of community groups; and radio for children.

Frome Community Productions CIC
Frome Town Hall
Christchurch Street West
Frome
BA11 1EB

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Please visit the contact us page for details on how to get in touch.

We are supported by local sponsors and through donations.  You can support us by making a donation to:

Frome Community Productions CIC
HSBC Frome Branch, Sort Code 40-44-33, Account Number 62079968

History

FromeFM 96.6 launch event

FromeFM 96.6 launch event

FromeFM started life as a small project back in 2005 at Frome Community College. It was resurrected in 2007 by Phil Moakes who, with the help of a small team of volunteers, produced and created varied radio programmes both online and on FM with a restricted service licence and broadcast from the attic of the Cheese and Grain.

In May 2008 FromeFM was established by Frome Community Productions CIC and moved into brand new premises at The Old Fire Station where the station has undergone significant upgrades since, all with the help of fundraisers and sponsors alike.

In September 2009 FromeFM launched a streaming service for mobile phones to enable listeners to tune in whilst on the move.

On May 21st 2012 Frome FM was commissioned by Ofcom to broadcast on 96.6 FM and the station launched as an FM service on June 16th 2012 from a transmitter placed on top of the Memorial Theatre a short distance away. A launch event was attended by many local celebrities including actor Mark McGann, folk singer Cara Dillon and musician Sam Lakeman.

Between November 2016 and March 2017 FromeFM broadcasted from temporary accommodation at The Old Police Station before moving to its permanent new home at the new Frome Town Hall.

Key commitments

  • The Service will have a local sound to suit all age groups, with programming particularly reflecting that Frome has a strong foundation as a developing centre for the creative industries. Programme output will reflect this by delivering:
    • informed discussion and debate of local issues and news;
    • an outlet for creative expression through drama, arts and music;
    • support for community organisations, business and regeneration; and
    • radio for children.
  • Music based content will promote niche musical genres.
  • Both music and speech programmes will promote local performers, artists and writers.
  • Daytime output will typically comprise 70% music to 30% speech.
  • The service will provide a minimum of 20 hours of original output per week, mainly at weekends (original output is content specifically produced for this service but excluding repeats and automated material). The majority of output will be originated and produced within the target area.
  • The station will deliver a 24/7 service using automated replay of programmes where live material is unavailable.

Social gain and other objectives

  • 1st Prize winner Nicholas with FromeFM Station Manager Phil Moakes at the FromeFM fun day

    1st Prize winner Nicholas with FromeFM Station Manager Phil Moakes at the FromeFM fun day

    The station will provide niche music programmes; Frome focussed debates and reportage; sustained support for and coverage of the work of community groups; and radio for children.

  • The station will commission programmes to enable political debate, greater awareness of local issues, appreciation of the rural economy, sustainability and regeneration through arts and the creative industry.
  • Where possible, the station will establish correspondents in, and will record shows from, nearby villages that are inside the catchment area.
  • The station will develop partnerships with other organisations where there are shared community objectives.
  • The station will provide training opportunities for volunteers, work placements for students and offer opportunities to writers, musicians and technicians. The station’s participation objective is to increase volunteer membership by 50% over the duration of the licence.
  • Opportunities for members of the public to receive basic training and experience before making a commitment to the station will be provided through a partnership with Community Education.
  • The station will provide in house and external training to ensure that members can fulfil their potential as community broadcasters.
  • Introductory training will be provided to all broadcasters, covering programme making, use of studio facilities and Ofcom broadcast code; and
  • Advanced training will be provided for studio managers and editors
  • Participation is invited in all aspects of broadcasting, from back-office to boardroom. Members can be involved as much or as little as they desire enabling them to concentrate on their particular interests, skill sets or aspirations.
  • Opportunities to participate will be widely advertised through the website, leaflets, media releases, editorial, partner organisations, Community Education and social networking.
  • The studio will be physically accessible.
Torch relay morphsuit

One of the FromeFM presenters promoting the station during the Olympic Torch Relay in 2012. Can you guess who it is?

Outside broadcasts

  • Frome Question Time – A series of Question Time style events relating to local issues in the down such as the Saxonvale development, 20 mph speed limits and free schools.
  • Frome Half Marathon – Frome’s first 10K and Half-marathon road races attracted around 700 entrants. FromeFM’s coverage included an interview with one of the event sponsors, a chat with one of the designated charities who benefited from the money raised and on the spot reportage from the start/finish.
  • 2012 Olympic torch Relay – The first outside broadcast on 96.6FM came during test transmissions when the 2012 Olympic flame was carried through the town. There were contributions from the outgoing mayor of Frome, Nick White, a commentary from David Heath MP and interviews with some of the children who turned out to wave flags.

Frome Festival

FromeFM covers extensively the Frome Festival events each year with daily breakfast shows instead of just the weekends and special editions of regular shows. You can listen to our festival archives here.

Station Ident

In 2012 Pencil Studios produced new branding including logo and colour scheme. A short video was produced to show off this new design and the new website also shares the same feel.