September Update

Dear All,

it has been sometime since our last update but our silence is certainly not an indication of inactivity, be assured we’ve been concentrating our efforts and resources in the most productive manner possible.

The License

To bring everyone up to date, earlier this year we applied to OFCOM for the transfer of the existing Cambridge community license held by 209radio. We received confirmation on July 20th that our application had been successful and, because this was a transfer rather than a new license, we would have to start broadcasting immediately. This we achieved and we have been broadcasting our programming on 105 FM since that date.

Premises

Since that time our primary focus has been to lay sturdy foundations to ensure that Cambridge105 has a long-term, sustainable future. Premises has been a driving issue. We already had a verbal agreement in place prior to obtaining the license. However, we were unable to agree realistic terms and, having now obtained a license, we were forced to start the search for premises again – whilst maintaining programming output – many organisations would have floundered at this point. Our requirements were many, it had to be centrally located, have good access, be of a sufficient size, have long-term viability and be of low cost. Unfortunately, many of the requirements are mutually exclusive and the search took sometime, with many positive prospects turning to negatives along the way.

However, we are pleased to announce that we have agreed lease terms on a property and hope to take possession in the next few days once the landlord has addressed the issues raised in the mutually agreed snagging list. We’re all very excited at finally obtaining premises, they are ideal for purpose, centrally located, with a landlord who is committed to the concept of community radio and, most importantly, they place minimal strain on the organisation’s finances.

The space is very much a “blank canvas”, it’s up to us all to decide how best to utilise the space, source the necessary materials and fit it out to best meet our needs (and budget). This is a great opportunity to literally build our community radio station from the ground up (OK, there is a floor, walls and a ceiling but you get the idea!).

Programming

We’ve also been putting together the necessary resources to create viable daytime programming output. This includes volunteers to define output & imaging, produce & present programming, sell & produce advertising, etc. This has been a tall task to achieve in a matter of weeks but we have made good inroads, which will now accelerate in parallel with the construction of the studio. We already posses all the necessary equipment for the studio, and plans to improve the signal on 105 FM are well in hand. All this has been achieved, by a handful of people, in a very small time – most stations have (and take) two years from license issue to going on air.

What next?

In the next week we should obtain possession of the premises (solicitors and workman allowing), so please expect a follow-up email announcing some open days. Please do try to come along, see the space before it’s developed, be inspired and volunteer!

In the meantime, check out the website for the latest schedule – http://cambridge105.co.uk – and please do email us with your feedback, thoughts and ideas, offers of help, etc.

We’ve laid the foundations to create a great future for community radio in Cambridge. The next chapter is down to you….

Axel, Cath, Pete, Steve & Tony.