About Us
Frome FM 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, on smart speakers and on 96.6FM. Frome FM provides niche music programmes; Frome focussed debates and news; 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
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 in a variety of ways here.
We are also always on the lookout for new members. If you would like to get involved in Frome FM as a radio presenter or support us in other ways, you can find out more here.
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.
Personnel
Meet the Team!
Andrew Bryant
Technical Director
Andrew joined Frome FM in 2009, and was responsible for engineering when we first gained a full FM licence. He has many years of experience maintaining studio equipment for BBC Radio.
Outside Frome FM his main interest lies in gardening.
Tim Hardy
Strategic Planning and Delivery Director
Tim is a big fan of live music of all types, being especially interested in music produced by electronic
artists. Hailing from the picturesque coastal town of Swanage in Dorset, he has called Frome his
home since 2010. A senior marine engineering manager by profession, Tim is actively involved in
Frome FM through his Synth Discovery Network monthly show and in his role on the leadership
team.
As the Strategic Planning and Delivery Director, Tim leads the development and update of the
business plan for Frome FM, ensuring that the station's operations align with the goals and
aspirations of its members and the wider Frome community.
Tom Rickey
Chairman and Marketing Director
Tom has been DJing since he was a teenager - originally playing drum and bass and hip hop. Over the years he started running club nights playing house, disco and afro. When lockdown happened in 2020 he decided to start a radio focussed on the music of Africa - one country at a time. The show is called Mother of Mankind and over time it developed into a soundsystem and regular dance event which now resides in the secret basement in Frome.
His day job is in sales and marketing in climate change and sustainability. He has brought his marketing expertise to the station and spearheaded a project to rebrand the radio and build a brand new website. His show on Frome FM is called MIxed Bag where he invites a different guest from the local area to bring a bag of records and talk about their favourite music.
Julian Crawley
Programming and Scheduling Director
Julian moved to Frome in 2015. He has worked in engineering for his entire working life but music and bicycles have always been at the top of the hobbies list. He has presented the Rebellious Jukebox show on FromeFM since 2018, which started as a vehicle to get his record collection on the airwaves, but has since morphed into a more community based eclectic music show.
Julian’s current tasks at FromeFM include programming and scheduling, maintaining the playout system and looking after IT generally.
Julian is married to Anita and has two children; Angus and Holly. He has been collecting records since 1980.
History
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 sponsorsalike.
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.
Social gain and other objectives
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Support Us
FromeFM is a not-for-profit organisation run and managed entirely by volunteer members. We have operating costs of around £16,000 a year from rent, utilities, licences and insurance. We also need keep our equipment up to date so we can stay on the air and even expand our service!
