Radio Bronglais
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| Broadcast area | Aberystwyth, Mid Wales |
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| Slogan | All Day, Every Day. |
| Frequency | 87.8 L-RSL FM |
| Format | Popular Music, Talk |
| Language(s) | English, Cymraeg |
| Website | http://www.rbfmlive.co.uk/ |
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RBFM (Radio Bronglais FM) is a hospital radio station, transmitting from the grounds of Bronglais Hospital in Wales. It began broadcasting in 1970 and is one of the oldest hospital radio stations in the UK .[1] RB FM has been a registered charity since 1983.[2] 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 wider audience .
In 2013 Radio Bronglais went digital with online streaming, available through the website.
In 2013 Radio Bronglais changed it name to RB FM and launched its Live Webcams from the studio during Live Shows.
Present day
RB FM currently plays music and live shows to the Bronglais, Aberystwyth 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. In 2014 'The Breakfast Show' was nominated for a National Award for a Programme with multiple presenters, at the HBA Awards. Features include daily give-away competitions, news and weather on the hour, sports, both national and regional ahroughout the early morning hours. all the latest from the world of entertainment. RB FM also has a multitude of daily programming, mostly filling the 4PM-8PM "Drivetime" slot.
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 On 11 April 2014, RB FM's volunteers completed a 24hr broadcast, with TV and Film stars included during the broadcast, including Walter Coenig, Wincey Willis (Treasure Hunt), and many more. The event ran from 6PM-6PM (11–12 April).
Notes
Link to official RB FM website
Coordinates: 52°25′01″N 4°04′16″W / 52.417°N 4.071°W
References
- ↑ "87.8RB FM". Hospital Broadcasting Association. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
- ↑ "Radio Bronglias". Open Charities. Retrieved 24 April 2011.