BBC Somerset
| BBC Somerset logo | |
| City of license | Taunton |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Somerset |
| Frequency | FM: 95.5 MHz MW: 1566 kHz DAB: 10B |
| First air date | 11 April 1988 |
| Format | Local news, talk and music |
| Language(s) | English |
| Audience share | 6.5% (March 2011, [1]) |
| Owner | BBC Local Radio, BBC West |
| Website | BBC Somerset |
BBC Somerset, formerly BBC Somerset Sound, is the BBC Local Radio service for the ceremonial county of Somerset, England. The northern parts of Somerset – Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset - are also served by BBC Radio Bristol.
Contents
History
The first BBC service for the county of Somerset was established in 1978, as an emergency measure following storms in the county.[1] The station proper was launched as BBC Somerset Sound on 11 April 1988, broadcasting on BBC Radio Bristol's former frequency of 1323AM. It was based in studios above a cafe on Paul St, Taunton, with a smaller satellite studio in Yeovil. The signal on 1323AM was for many years interfered with by a Russian radio station.[2]
In August 2002, BBC Somerset moved to new premises in Park Street, Taunton, and acquired a more robust frequency of 1566AM. On 3 December 2007, it was also given BBC Radio Bristol's former FM frequency of 95.5FM. It currently broadcasts on both of these, to the whole of the historic county of Somerset and beyond. Listeners from as far afield as Finland have reported hearing the station clearly. BBC Somerset sometimes uses its AM frequency for cricket commentary while regular programming continues on FM. BBC Somerset began broadcasting in DAB in September 2014.
BBC Somerset was for many years an 'opt-out' from Radio Bristol, but in May 2012, the BBC established it as a station in its own right. The BBC's Annual Report and Accounts for 2005/2006 stated:[3] "The BBC is committed to extending its network of local radio stations to a limited number of under served areas, and BBC management is carrying out preparatory work for new stations in Somerset, Dorset and Cheshire.".
On 6 October 2011, the BBC announced that it intended to close BBC Somerset's 1566MW frequency as part of its Delivering Quality First (DQF)[4] program of cutbacks. No decision on the timing of the medium wave switch-off has yet been made.
The current managing editor of BBC Somerset is Tasmin Curnow, with Andrew Enever as news editor.
BBC Somerset bus
BBC Somerset got a new mobile radio studio in the shape of a single-decker bus in May 2007. The role of the BBC Somerset bus across the county includes:
- To bring BBC Somerset out into local communities across the county
- To help to improve what people in county want from their local radio station, and from the BBC in general
- To promote the major BBC campaigns, such as the Reading and Writing project (RaW) and Springwatch and Autumnwatch among many others
- To feedback to the BBC any brickbats and bouquets - from listeners/viewers who might not usually have the chance to comment
- To broadcast live shows from towns and villages around Somerset
Programming for the bus, as well as the day-to-day operation and technical support is managed by Paul George.
The Challenge
In 2007, BBC Somerset took part in an initiative to create the first carbon-zero radio station in the UK known as The Challenge.[5]
'Eco-auditors' looked at every aspect of the operation - from the mileage of the transport fleet down to what happens to the office tea bags.[6]
At the time of the audit, the station generated more than 64 tonnes of CO2 each year. On hearing the results the staff voluntarily dipped into their pockets to fund the three main accredited methods of carbon offsetting – tree planting, sustainable projects and carbon trading. On average the cost to each member of staff was between £25 and £50, depending on their salary. Staff also looked at all areas where pollution is generated to reduce the station's carbon footprint and make it more environmentally friendly. These included:
- The fleet of cars for reporters were swapped for fuel-efficient vans.
- Lighting systems were replaced with more energy-efficient ones.
- Loft insulation was improved and double glazing was considered.
- The electricity and paper supplies were checked to make sure they are eco-friendly.
- Water coolers were removed in favour of tap water.
- New recycling measures were introduced.
- Eco-friendly cleaning products were introduced.
Programming
On normal weekdays, BBC Somerset broadcasts three of its own programmes - breakfast, mid-mornings and drivetime - alongside weekend morning shows, a Pick of the Week compilation and local news bulletins.
Much of BBC Somerset's off-peak broadcast schedule carries shared programming from BBC Radio Bristol with weekend evening output originating from BBC Radio Devon in Plymouth and Sunday afternoon programming from BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
As with all BBC Local Radio stations, it also airs the networked weekday evening shows, originating from BBC Radio Leeds and produced independently by Wire Free Productions. During the station's downtime, BBC Somerset simulcasts BBC Radio 5 Live overnight.
Presenters
- Local presenters
- Network presenters
Former presenters
References
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External links
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