Phoenix FM
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Broadcast area | Brentwood and Billericay |
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First air date | December 29, 1996 |
Frequency | 98.0 MHz (subject to confirmation) |
Format | Community, Contemporary |
Owner | Phoenix FM Ltd |
Website | www.phoenixfm.com |
Phoenix FM is a community radio station serving the areas of Brentwood and Billericay, England. It was formed in 1996 and has broadcast twelve 28-day restricted service licence broadcasts on FM. The station's presenters include local snooker hero Steve Davis, singer/songwriter Chris T-T and former Carter USM guitarist/songwriter Les "Fruitbat" Carter. Phoenix FM was also the first community radio station in the UK to provide a streaming internet service, in 2001.
On 16 February 2006 Ofcom announced that Phoenix FM, after ten years of campaigning, will be awarded a full-time community radio licence. On Saturday 4 March 2006 the station started podcasting for the first time, with Brentwood's Only Alternative publishing the first show using this method.
The station's broadcasts have provided a valuable platform for local bands looking to gain airtime. Inme, who were then known under the name of Drowned, was one band whose first radio play and interviews were on the station. The station's Creative Sessions have given studio recording time to unknown and young local bands.
One of the station's programmes is Digital Blues, which in the four years since it started has become well known and highly respected in the Blues community in Essex and throughout the UK and around the world. The programmes feature local bands and artists as well as giving first airplay to bands and artists from around the world. Every year a Digital BluesFest is organised which raises money for the Helen Rollason Cancer Care Centre Appeal. Digital Blues was recently described as being the "Voice of the Blues in Essex".