Ofcom, the communications regulator, has granted West Hull FM a power increase that will provide better coverage within the city as well as the surrounding villages.
Hull’s original community radio station, West Hull FM, started broadcasting in 2007 and is staffed entirely by volunteers. The service provides a range of community benefits such as local information, media training, and aims to strengthen the local community that it serves.
West Hull FM Technical Director, Richard Moore, said: “We are grateful to Ofcom for working with us to improve our FM signal. Our existing aerial and transmitter system had come to the end of its life, leaving us barely able to reach our core area. The power increase, together with new equipment, means that we can now provide a great signal on 106.9 FM to Hull and East Yorkshire.”
Moore went on to say: “Although radio listening in general is moving toward digital platforms, we find that our audience still rely on FM at home and in the car. With an eye to the future, we are additionally part of a consortium bidding for the upcoming local DAB multiplex for Hull and Beverley. We also broadcast via our website at westhullfm.co.uk, and to smart speakers.”
West Hull FM is a not-for-profit, funded entirely by donations and sponsorship from local companies and organisations.