Penwith Radio

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Penwith Radio
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Broadcast area Penwith, Cornwall (FM) Worldwide (Internet Radio)
Slogan Local Radio for West Cornwall
Frequency 96.5 and 97.2 FM.[1] RDS: __Penwith__
First air date 1 May 2009 (internet) 30th August 2014 (FM)
Format Freeform
Language(s) English
Webcast Live Stream
Website www.penwithradio.co.uk

Penwith Community Radio is a community radio station for West Cornwall. It contains a combination of local news, weather, music and talk. The station broadcasts from its studios in Penzance.

The station began with pre-recorded podcasts, the first played on 26 January 2008.[2] Live internet broadcasts began on 1 May 2009,[3] and the station now broadcasts on 96.5 and 97.2 FM locally, launching on Saturday 30 August 2014.[4] The first presenter to broadcast live on the station was Steve West.[5]

Under the 'Character of service' section of the station's key commitments, it states that Penwith Radio "offers a local voice, broadcasting a service which acts as a barometer of local opinion, and provides companionship for people, enabling them to feel more connected and less isolated."[6]

Monetary backing is provided by advertisements and sponsorship from local businesses and organisations, as well as national grant funding.[7] The station is a community interest company.[8]

History

Live internet launch

Penwith Radio's former studio at the Wharfside Shopping Centre, Penzance

The station's live internet launch was on Friday 1 May 2009 at 7am (GMT), with the breakfast show, presented by Steve West, followed by Sally Peterson. The launch received a large listenership. "We had almost 22,000 hits on our website over the first few days of May, and I believe that about 5,000 people logged on to us at some time or other from as far afield as Australia" Julian Horner, the original station manager commented.[9]

FM licence and on-air frequencies

On 4 May 2012, it was announced on Ofcom's official website that the radio station had successfully secured a full FM licence.[10] On 22 March 2014, Penwith Radio announced its FM frequencies. A statement on the radio station's website said "The station will broadcast on 96.5 FM to Penzance and the surrounding area, including Hayle and towards The Lizard, and for St Just, Pendeen, Sennen and the surrounding rural area on 97.2 FM."[11]

Olympic Torch Relay coverage

On 19 May 2012, from 6:00 am, there was a special 'Good Morning Penwith with Martin Holland' with live reports at the historic start of the 2012 Olympic Torch Relay from Land's End. Presenters reported live from along the route and for the first time, Penwith Radio collaborated with two other Cornish community radio stations, The Source FM and Radio St Austell Bay to cover more of the torch relay. Penwith's coverage was simulcast on both other community stations. This was one of the first times the station had broadcast live coverage of a local event.

FM launch

Penwith Radio FM launch team photo

The station started broadcasting test transmissions on 14 August 2014 and officially launched onto FM on Saturday 30 August 2014 at 10am.[12] Steve West hosted a pre-launch warm-up show from 8am, and Nick Dent took over from Steve for the FM launch party until 2pm.[13]

Acker Bilk: His Final Interview

Clarinettist Acker Bilk recorded his final interview with Penwith Radio's John Chapman before passing away from cancer at the age of 85. Presenter John Chapman commented: “Because of Acker’s illness at the time of the interview his voice is soft at times and I had to carry and lead the conversation but it is an hour’s life story and we have got the last ever one he did.”

The interview was broadcast on Sunday 16 November 2014 at 9pm.[14]

Coast FM re-brand

On the 23 May 2016 it was announced on The Cornishman's website that later this year, the station will be changing its name to Coast FM. Chairman Alan Shepherd said: "Coast FM is a new and exciting name for a radio station that I hope the people of West Cornwall will take to their hearts and treat as their own. The name Penwith Radio has served us well but it's time for a new lick of paint and a re-focus on being the radio station of choice for radio listeners in West Cornwall".[15]

Programming

Penwith Radio features a wide variety of programming produced by its volunteers; these feature morning shows, lunchtime music shows, request programmes, afternoon magazines, drivetime shows, speciality music and local information programmes.

Shows include "Drivetime with Gabriel Lucas-Green", "Quintessentially Quayle with Pat Quayle", former Classic FM presenter Sally Peterson with "Mellow Midweek", "Penwith Today with John Pestle", "The Mixdown with Col Ford", "Penwith Gold with Nick Dent", "Terry's Train of Thought with Terry and Simon", "The PM Show with Kevin and Jack", "All At Sea with Nik Sanderson", "Monday Afternoon 2 to 4 with Dave Pascoe", "That Thursday Thing with Ade and Jules" and "The Deep with Ralph Randell".[16]

The programming section of Penwith Radio's key commitments states "[the station] broadcasts a range of programmes specific to its West Cornwall audience. These programmes reflect local interests with discussion, interviews, music and invite interaction from listeners throughout"[17]

Studios

The station began broadcasting from its current studios at the Penwith Centre in Parade Street, Penzance on 7 February 2016. The station's previous studios were based in Wharfside Shopping Centre, Penzance,[18] where it had been since 1 May 2009.

References

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External links

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