Weymouth and Portland community station AIR 107.2 has been saved from closure, with founder Carl Greenham returning to lead the station’s next chapter.
The station had been expected to fall silent this Sunday, but Carl’s return as Managing Director and Station Manager means AIR will stay on air and refocus on serving Weymouth’s community.
Carl said he was “back and ready” to rebuild, thanking volunteers whose efforts “kept the station alive” and saying he was overwhelmed by the support seen for AIR 107.2 on social media.
He also paid tribute to outgoing director Marc Eyre, thanking him for stepping in during a difficult period and keeping AIR operating while the station’s long term future was uncertain.
New director Jamie Lyones will work alongside Carl on strengthening the commercial side of the station, developing business partnerships and new advertising opportunities to support AIR’s long term stability on the Weymouth airwaves.
AIR remains in a challenging financial position, with existing debts still owed, and has launched a JustGiving page so supporters who have asked how to help can contribute towards clearing those debts and securing the station’s future.
Carl said “any donation, big or small, will help us keep AIR alive while we rebuild and move forward,” stressing that listener backing remains essential as the team works to stabilise finances.
Work has already started on a refreshed music output and programming changes, with a promise of a more engaging schedule and gradual improvements on air that listeners will notice over time as the new plan takes shape.
Commercial growth is a clear priority for the team, with Carl saying that “advertising on AIR 107.2 is the easiest and most effective way to reach your target audience” as they seek new local business partners.
Volunteers, who have all been informed of the changes, have welcomed the decision to keep AIR broadcasting, backing the new direction while regular shows continue as normal and subtle improvements are introduced during the transition.