University Radio Falmer

University Radio Falmer
Slogan "The Soundtrack To Sussex Since 1976"
Frequency Internet
Format Student Radio
Affiliations
Webcast On campus: 10am-Midnight during term time
Website www.urfonline.com

University Radio Falmer (commonly known as URF) is the student radio station for the University of Sussex[2] and one of the oldest and most well known student radio stations in the United Kingdom. With no playlist, the student DJs determine the music policy, as URF is run entirely by student volunteers.[3]

Availability

Previously the station broadcast on 1431AM in the Brighton area, but now only broadcasts on a live stream on the station's website. Prior to this, the frequency was 999kHz with broadcasts contained within the university halls of residence via a 'leaky feeder' transmission network installed by Brighton based Wireless Workshop.

Correction: It wasn't 'leaky feeder' for the 999kHz operation, but the standard inductive loop system, which was the standard magnetic system available to student and hospital radio at the time. This offered reception on the campus, but beyond the boundry the signal fell away quickly, minimising the chances of off-site reception. This consisted of a WW audio processor/transmitter in the studio in Norwich House, from which underground cables extended out towards Park Village, and then on around the other other areas of accomodation. Every so often the cable fed a tuned inductive loop 'aerial' which was mounted onto the wall of one of the buildings. A few of the larger blocks (e.g. Yorks and Lancs) had 'loops' on the roofs, which probably wern't truly inductive, and hence might have radiated the signal further than intended.

Recent achievements

At the 2008 Student Radio Association Awards, Lauren Stevens won bronze in the Best Scripted Programming category for her play 'Alice in Moulsecoomb'.[4]

At the 2009 Student Radio Association Awards, University Radio Falmer won Gold place for Best Technical Achievement for Project Sunshine, created by 2009 exec members Daniel Cooper and Kris Lipscombe.[5]

At the 2011 Student Radio Association Awards, University Radio Falmer won Gold for Best Interview for the Luke Cooper Milibank Protest interview with Kit Bradshaw.[6]

Alumni

Past members have gone on to have successful careers in radio including working for the BBC, Sky News, London's Heart 106.2 and Brighton's Juice.[7]

References

  1. - University of sussex Webpage
  2. - University of Sussex Student Union - Student Media
  3. - Their website's about page
  4. - The Student Radio Association
  5. - Information on the station's achievements

External links