AIR 107.2
 | |
| Broadcast area | Weymouth and Portland: FM Worldwide: Internet |
|---|---|
| Frequency |
|
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | English |
| Format | Top 40, Hot AC |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | AIR FM Community Interest Company |
| History | |
First air date | 11 May 2011 |
| Links | |
| Webcast | Web Stream |
| Website | www |
AIR 107.2 is the community radio station for Weymouth and Portland. All content is broadcast from its studios in Weymouth via its transmitter located at Wyke Regis.
AIR stands for All Inclusive Radio. AIR began its life as a student radio station, streaming online and to Westfield Arts College.
It soon grew and pulled together students from across the locale to jointly broadcast on AIR. Students work towards nationally recognised accreditations whilst having the opportunity to gain real media experience.[1]
AIR 107.2 is also responsible for hosting the annual event "Party in the Park", which is hosted on the first weekend in August at Lodmoor Country Park.[2]
History
2011
AIR began streaming via its website on Wednesday 11 May 2011. The station was endorsed by many celebrities including Chris Evans, Jonathan Ross, Lorraine Kelly, Carol Vorderman, Chris Jarvis and many more.[1]
The station was officially opened by BBC Radio 1 veteran, Ed Stewart.
On the launch day of AIR - Student Radio, 200 helium filled balloons were released into the air[1] and a live celebratory concert was held on the field of Westfield Arts College.
Many local dignitaries and media representatives attended the launch including; Dorset Echo, BBC Radio Solent, BBC Spotlight, Weymouth View and students from various schools across Dorset.[1]
2012
In April, AIR was awarded FM status by Ofcom. In July the radio station was invited to the Houses of Commons as finalists in the Arqiva Schools Radio Station of the Year Awards. AIR received an Arqiva Special Commendation Award.
AIR held a further live event, hAIRaiser, at Weymouth Pavilion on 31 October. A third live event was hosted at the Dorchester Corn Exchange involving performances by local artists all of whom performed to raise money for AIR.
2020
The station underwent some major programming changes, despite the pandemic. Notable local presenters Brad Butterworth, Steve Carptenter and James O'Neill all started new morning shows on the station. In June 2020 Brad started a new weekday breakfast show,[3] in August 2020 Steve started a new weekday mid-morning show and in December 2020 James started a new Saturday morning breakfast show. Further changes were also made to the afternoons on the stations schedule.[4]
In August 2020, Robson James was appointed as the Managing Director for AIR FM CIC from a previous directors role.
2021
In January 2021, Brad Butterworth was appointed Programming Director for AIR FM CIC after previously being appointed the Programme Controller.
In February 2021, AIR 107.2 and Radio Ninesprings began joint-broadcasting the Somerset and Dorset Quiz[5] every Tuesday night between 8-10PM. The quiz was aimed at boosting moral in the 3rd national lockdown in England, by getting as many households in the two broadcast areas to play along and interact. Notable presenters/producers include Brad Butterworth, Robson James and Steve Carpenter.[6][7]
The current position
In 2012 AIR received official FM Community Radio Status from OFCOM.
Transmitter
Transmission of AIR 107.2 comes from the Arqiva Wyke Regis site. Transmission was increased on 23rd February 2022 from 25W to 100W omni at 28m.
References
- ^ a b c d "AIR 107.2 - Website - About Page". 2013.
- ^ "Party in the Park". AIR 107.2. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ^ "AIR 107.2". facebook.com. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ^ "Schedule". AIR 107.2. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ^ "Somerset & Dorset Quizzes | DigiAVIT Quizzes". sdquiz.co.uk. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ^ "Radio Ninesprings - - YEOVIL, Somerset". radioninesprings.co.uk. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
- ^ James, Robson (9 February 2021). "Somerset and Dorset Quiz". AIR 107.2. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
