Radio Bronglais

RBFM (formally Radio Bronglais) is a hospital radio station, transmitting from the grounds of Bronglais Hospital after purchasing the land in 1998. It began broadcasting in 1970 and is one of the oldest hospital radio stations in the UK . RB FM has been a registered charity since 1983.^[1] RB FM transmits music and live radio shows twenty four hours a day, to the Bronglais Hospital site on a LPFM frequency of 87.8FM, and online via the station's website.

History

RB FM (Radio Bronglais) began transmitting in early 1970 when members of 'Bow Street Youth Club' presented a request programme on a Sunday evening between 7pm and 9pm which was distributed to all patients in Bronglais Hospital. Equipment back in the seventies was very basic, with disco decks and a small amplifier. An executive committee was set up to raise money to purchase the studio and to provide equipment.

In 1991 and 1999, Radio Bronglais won a British Telecom Award for 'The Best in Wales' and was also runner-up in the same competition in 1996 . In September 1998 land became available on Bronglais Hospital's grounds. Radio Bronglais applied to the National Lottery Charity Board of Wales, and in the spring of 1999 were awarded £117,455. During September 2000 building work began on the new studio, which was completed in early February 2001.

2012 saw the station increase its power output after a successful application to Ofcom, and now broadcasts to a far wider audience .

2013 Radio Bronglais went digital with on-line streaming, which can be listen to through the website. 2013 Radio Bronglais changed it name to RB FM and launched its Live Webcam's from the studio during Live Shows.

Present day

RB FM currently plays music and live shows to the Bronglais, Aberystwyth and Mid-Wales Community 24 hours a day. The station is run by a dedicated committee, volunteer presenters, librarians, administrators, fundraisers and technical staff. RB FM relies entirely on donations. RB FM has a Weekday Breakfast Show with presenters Mike and the Breakfast show team, broadcasting live from 7am - 10am. In 2014 'The Breakfast Show' was nominated for a National Award for a Programme with multiple presenters, through HBA. Features include daily give-away competitions, news and weather on the hour, sports, both national and regional and all the latest from the world of entertainment.

In November 2013, Radio Bronglais re-branded itself using the new name RB FM. The introduction of the re-branding also saw the introduction of RDS under the name 'RB-87.8'.

2014 April 11th 2014, RB FM's volunteer's attempt a 24hr broadcast, with TV and Film stars included during the broadcast, these include Walter Coenig, Wincey Willis (Treasure Hunt), and many more. Starting at 6pm GMT.

Notes

Coordinates: 52°25′01″N 4°04′16″W / 52.417°N 4.071°W / 52.417; -4.071