3TFM secures another five-year broadcast licence

Jan 4 2013 by Sandy Clarke, Irvine Herald

Volunteers at local radio station 3TFm were delighted to find out that the station has been given the green light to broadcast for another five years.

Broadcasting regulator Ofcom announced the five-year renewal last week, which will allow 3TFm to broadcast through to April 2018. The station’s current licence runs until April 2013.

With a primary focus of promoting health, 3TFM is run by volunteers from the Saltcoats, Stevenston, Ardrossan and surrounding areas who are interested in different aspects of broadcasting.

The community station – based at the Focus learning centre in Saltcoats – also offers new volunteers the chance to train in live presentation, radio production, administration and other key skills required in the broadcasting industry.

Station manager Louis Blair was overjoyed with the news of the new licence.

Said Louis: “This is fantastic news – Santa has brought us an early Christmas present. We can now make major plans for the radio station taking us to 2018 and beyond.”

He added: “I would like to thank our growing band of listeners for their support over the past five years, and hope they will continue to enjoy all the shows that our talented team of presenters continue to produce. The awarding by Ofcom of this new licence is testament to the hard work everyone has put in at the station.”

3TFm produces a wide range of shows throughout the week as Ayrshire’s only full-time community radio station, including the popular Friday afternoon show, Food & Music, hosted by Irvine Herald columnist, Ronnie McGhie.

Currently, 3TFm’s sister station Irvine Beat Fm is awaiting a decision from Ofcom on whether it will grant the station its first five-year broadcasting licence following a string of five annual 28-day broadcasts from 2008. Ofcom is expected to give its decision early in 2013.