Dearne FM
 | |
| Broadcast area | Barnsley |
|---|---|
| Frequency | FM: 97.1, 102.0 MHz |
| First air date | 5 October 2003 |
| Format | Contemporary |
| Audience share | 8.1% (June 2013, RAJAR) |
| Owner | Lincs FM Group |
| Sister stations |
Compass FM KCFM Lincs FM Ridings FM Rother FM Rutland Radio Trax FM |
| Website | www.dearnefm.co.uk |
Dearne FM is an Independent Local Radio station which broadcasts to the Barnsley area. The station is owned and operated by the Lincs FM Group (based in Lincoln), whose stations take more of an interest in their local areas than other larger radio companies, and offer a wider type of music.
History
The station was based at Zenith Park on Whaley Road, Barugh Green, in the north-west of Barnsley. As a result of cost cutting, Dearne FM recently co-located with sister stations Trax FM and Rother FM at studios on White Rose Way in Doncaster. Sister station Ridings FM remains at Zenith Park. Five other companies competed for Barnsley's FM radio licence.
Transmitters
The station can be heard on 102 FM (near Ardsley) in Barnsley and the Dearne Valley, and on 97.1 FM (near Hoylandswaine close to the A628 and A629 roundabout) for Penistone on Hunger Hill. The Ardsley transmitter also broadcasts Hallam FM on 102.9 FM, with whom Dearne FM mainly competes. The 102 FM signal is more powerful than 97.1 FM, which is an off-air relay of 102 FM.
Programming
Dearne FM appeals to a family audience playing a mix of current chart hits and the best songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s combined with local news, information and competitions. The station's strapline is "Hits and Memories across Barnsley, Penistone and the Dearne Valley" or simply "Hits and Memories".
Following the station's move to Doncaster, its weekday breakfast show was networked with sister station Rother FM. Following an unsuccessful trial and complaints from listeners, networking at breakfast was dropped and the show is now live and local (presented by Joe Sentance). Budget cuts within the Lincs FM Group mean that Dearne FM, amongst others within the group, have restricted live programming. The station uses automation (where the presenter's links between the records are all pre-recorded but made to sound live) between 10:00 and 14:00, while the breakfast and drive shows are live.