New Brentwood community station Phoenix will hit the airwaves on its new permanent frequency of 98.0FM, media regulator Ofcom has announced. The station will launch from new studios in the first half of 2007. This month's frequency confirmation from Ofcom is a huge step towards switch on for Brentwood and Billericay's own full-time radio station.
The Phoenix 98.0FM team of presenters, staff and volunteers is already taking shape. Many were out and about in Brentwood on Saturdays in the run up to Christmas, selected by the council to help front the entertainment around the lights switch on.
They were led by Phoenix 98.0FM's first employee, Steve Mead, who has started as station manager to lead preparations. Former volunteer manager Paul Golder is now chairman of the station founded in 1996.
Paul said: "Phoenix is making huge strides towards launching in the new year. Our FM frequency of 98.0 MHz is in the heartland of new music plus entertaining chat — and we can't wait to join in. Stay tuned for news on Phoenix 98.0FM's new studios and programme schedule."
Steve, who has been a Phoenix volunteer since November 2003 and lives in Hutton, said: "Awareness of the station is growing thanks to our appearances at November bonfire and December Christmas events. Now we have a frequency, the station's identity can be finalised prior to Phoenix 98.0FM going live in early 2007."
Phoenix FM won a full-time licence in February 2006 — after its tenth temporary FM broadcast in Brentwood and Billericay in as many years. Station presenters already play out online at www.phoenixfm.com from studios in Hutton Poplars Lodge, Hutton, in readiness for Phoenix broadcasting permanently on FM.
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