Three community radio stations in Northern Ireland to cease transmission

The South Eastern Regional College appears to have pulled the plug on three community radio stations it funds in Northern Ireland.

Bangor FM, Lisburn’s 98FM and FM105 Down Community Radio have all posted messages this week on social media saying they are closing down.

On the college website, the three stations are described as providing “training for students and members of the public with industry-standard live broadcasting facilities and opportunities to create and innovate under supervision from experienced media professionals”.

FM105 posted: “…AND THAT’S A WRAP!! It is with heavy hearts that we must tell you that FM105 will cease to broadcast in it’s current form at midnight on Sunday 30th June.

“Unfortunately the Cost of Living crisis has impacted us too, with the recent lack of public expenditure meaning our main backers SERC have had to withdraw funding and support for the station.

“We’d like to thank all of our wonderful listeners who have supported us over the last 14 years – we hope we’ve brought a little bit of joy to your lives.

“We hope this is not a permanent goodbye, but until we meet again – Thank you for listening to YOUR local station, FM105!

Lisburn FM wrote something similar: “𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗯𝘆𝗲…It is with great sadness that we are writing this post but we must inform you that Lisburn’s 98FM is shutting down.

“Remarkably, it was on this day in 2012 that we held our official launch party and we are so proud of the station we became through the help and hard work of an often small but dedicated team.

“To our amazing listeners and incredible volunteers past and present we say a massive THANK YOU! It has been a privilege spending this time with you.”

And Bangor FM said: “𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗳𝗳. Thank you to all our listeners, volunteers, SERC students and friends over the years for your support. We have had a wonderful time with you.

“All good things must come to an end but the great memories will stay with us for a very long time. We are another victim of financial constraints placed on our public services.

“Take care.”

We’ve contacted South Eastern Regional College who runs the stations but we’ve yet to hear back.