Palm 105.5
 | |
| Broadcast area | Torquay, Torbay Devon |
|---|---|
| Format | All Time Favioutes, Easy Listening, and Mix Music |
| Owner | Sunrise Radio Group and Palm FM Limited |
Palm 105.5 is an Independent Local Radio station based in Torquay, in Devon.
Palm FM was awarded the local commercial radio licence for Torbay in September 2005, and began broadcasting in May 2006. 60% of Palm FM is owned by the Sunrise Radio Group, the remaining 40% belongs to Palm FM Ltd.
History
Palm FM was set up in 1998 and was the first to run a Restricted Service Licence in the area.
In 1994, Jo Corben-Richards (aka CJ Munroe), former Senior Producer/Presenter for DevonAir Radio, applied for a Restricted Service Licence specifically for the Torbay area with the backing of local lawyer and property developer, Roger Richards and local businesswoman Julia Milton-Head. Whilst at DevonAir, CJ had tried to persuade them to maintain an opt-out radio service for the Torbay area.
Permission for an RSL was initially granted by the Radio Authority, but subsequently objected to by the owners of Exeter/Torbay licence, Gemini FM.
In 1997, CJ and Roger gained further support from local businessmen and the like to proceed with the development of a local radio service for Torbay.
First RSL
Palm FM's first Restricted Service Licence was launched by the Mayor of Torquay, Vincent McCann in December 1998. The broadcast was set up to cover the annual Torbay Carnival and Christmas celebrations; they also broadcast extensive outside broadcasts from schools and a live Midnight Mass from St. Matthias Church in Wellswood.
Second RSL
A second 28-day broadcast was made from August 1999 to coincide with the Eclipse; the station was even designated the "Official Eclipse Station" by Sir Patrick Moore, who involved himself with the Palm's output.
Outside broadcasts during this period included a South West Musical Festival from the Quay West holiday Complex in Paignton.
A new logo was designed by local students and a winner was picked by the listeners.
The area's tourist industry was promoted by a locally written and Palm FM produced CD which was distributed by W.H. Smiths.
Great Britain's largest recognised talent competition "Stairway to the Stars" was sponsored by Palm FM and featured CJ as Senior Judge.
Third RSL
Palm FM returned to the airwaves in May 2000, again under the guidance of CJ. During this period, Palm FM continued to lobby for the Torbay area to be added to the Radio Authority's "working list" for proposed new services. Between the last two RSLs, Palm FM commissioned two separate in-depth independent research initiatives for the proposed permanent station, the results were forwarded to the Authority.
2000 onwards
Station Director, Brian Houghton died, his wife continued his support and investment in the company. Julia Milton-Head left the Company for health reasons, but also retained her investment. In 2002, Carlton Westcountry presenter Kate Reeves expressed her interest and later joined the Board.
After the RSLs, Dr. Avtar Lit and Palm Radio Ltd agreed to apply for the Torbay Licence, Managing Director of London Media Company, Neil Romain joined the Board of the newly formed Palm FM Limited with his colleague David Lowen, a media consultant and former head of news for ITV Westcountry. LMC now provide financial and administrative support while allowing the local Board to operate, broadcast and develop.
In September 2005, and after ten years of campaigning, Palm was awarded the licence. A jubilant Jo Corben-Richards and Roger Richards, Chairman Palm FM, issued the following statement...
"The Palm FM board and team are delighted to have been awarded the opportunity to serve the residents of our special area and its many communities. We would like to thank everyone who listened to our three ?short-term? trial broadcasts over the past seven years and supported us through advertising and sponsorship. We thank those who contributed and supported the work of Palm FM, on-air, behind the scenes and in our application to the industry regulator Ofcom. The Palm FM board and team are proud to know that the legacy of our commitment, since the mid 1990s, has been recognised by today's Ofcom award of a twelve-year licence to provide the local radio station so eagerly awaited and richly deserved by our area." [1]
Presenters
Jon White
Colin Leslie
Rick Edwards
Matt Rogan
Jennie Park
Kev Oates
Kevin Kane
Martin Nicholls
Lisa Softley (Miss T) (1998-2000)
Andy Weber (1998-2000)
References
- ↑ "Licence win details and statement". Retrieved 2010-08-02.
External links
- palm.fm - Palm FM's official website.
- Ofcom.org.uk - Licence application.
- Ofcom.org.uk - Sample report.