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Young Broadcasters Warming Up The Airwaves

University Centre Farnborough students will take to the airwaves once again as they host FCOT FM, a radio station produced entirely by our students learning radio production as part of their media degrees.

This year’s Station Manager Steve Barrett is already bringing great enthusiasm to the role. He said:

“This year is going to be an amazing experience for the team. Everyone is working really hard to ensure we do the station proud, and we’re all gaining valuable experience along the way. We just can’t wait to go live in April; hopefully everyone will tune in and love the station just as much as we do!”

The ten members of this year’s management team will gain skills in a variety of roles. This includes the technical running of the studio, handling sales, planning marketing and running a website and social media accounts for the station.

The station is Ofcom licensed and broadcasts from a transmitter on 87.7fm for our students and other local residents to enjoy.

The dedicated media students are also focused on promoting local businesses. They are working with: The Heron Barber Shop, The Squirrel Pub, The Games Shop, Sweets n Treats, Dark Star Comics, Princes Mead Shopping Centre and local guitar teacher Richard Veitch.

Commercial Producer Lauren Forster embraced the opportunity for supporting local business. She said:

“Advertising local businesses is very important to us. We want our listeners to make use of the companies available to them in the local area and the wonderful services they provide. Many students live locally, so we think it’s important they support the businesses that are right on their doorstep.”

The dynamic management team have already starting making changes including a rebrand of the station’s logo for 2016. They plan to host live content on the 24-hour station between 7am and 5pm on weekdays, with local bands and music students playing live between 7-9pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The team’s motivation has been noted by radio lecturer Nik Turner, who is looking to forward to this year’s station:

“The station management team this year are excellent, never have I worked with such a committed group. It’s a privilege working with them and guiding them through the complexities of running a radio station. I have a feeling this year will be the best it’s ever been!”

A number of our former students have gone on to work in the radio industry, including Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac. Many others are still working at a range of stations including 96.4 Eagle Radio and Global Radio.

FCOT FM will be broadcasting between 11 April and 6 May 2016. Tune in on 87.7FM in the Farnborough area, or online via www.fcotfm.com.

Find out more about all of our media degrees here.

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