Phoenix FM

Phoenix FM is a community radio station serving the areas of Brentwood and Billericay, England. It was formed in 1996 and has broadcast nine 28-day restricted service licence broadcasts on FM. The station's presenters include local snooker hero Steve Davis and former Carter USM guitarist/songwriter Les "Fruitbat" Carter. Phoenix FM was also the first community radio station in the UK to provide a streaming internet service, in 2001.

Related Topics:
Radio station - Brentwood - Billericay - England - 1996 - FM - Snooker - Steve Davis - Carter USM - Guitarist - Songwriter - Streaming internet - 2001

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In November 2004 the station applied for a new Community Radio licence, with a decision now expected from Ofcom in December 2005.

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A tenth broadcast, from their studios in Hutton Poplars Lodge, Shenfield, is expected in January/February 2006.

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The station's broadcasts have provided a valuable platform for local bands looking to gain airtime. Inme, who were then known under the name of Drowned, was one band whose first radio play and interviews were on the station.

Related Topics:
Bands - Inme - Interview

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One of the station's programmes is Digital Blues, which in the four years since it started has become well known and highly respected in the Blues community in Essex and throughout the UK and around the world. The programmes feature local bands and artists as well as giving first airplay to bands and artists from around the world. Every year a Digital BluesFest is organised which raises money for the Helen Rollason Cancer Care Centre Appeal. Digital Blues was recently described as being the "Voice of the Blues in Essex".

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