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Your Station - History and FAQs
The History of Spire FM
Spire FM was awarded the licence to broadcast to the city of Salisbury and surrounding areas by the old Radio Authority (now OFCOM) in 1991. The capital needed to launch the station was raised entirely from local investors and the station went on air on September 5th 1992.
Since its launch Spire FM has become one of the UK’s most successful radio stations and is firmly established as an integral part of the daily lives of the people living in South Wiltshire and West Hampshire.
We are the most listened to radio station in South Wiltshire and West Hampshire and is recognised as one of the most successful stations in the country with a great reputation for producing quality local programming.
We have received many industry awards in our history including a prestigious Sony Radio Award for Station of the Year in 1994 and the runner up award in 2003. Other recent awards include: the KPMG Marketing Excellence Award, and Wiltshire Business of the Year finalist.
To read more about former Spire FM presenters and hear old jingle packages, visit this great website
Spire FM – Most Frequently Asked Questions:
Where does Spire FM get its revenue from?
All of our revenue is generated by advertising, we are a totally self-sufficient business and don’t receive any money from the BBC licence fee.
Where do you get your news from?
Over the years we have built a huge base of news contacts in the area who often keep our reporters in touch with things that are happening. We are also sent press releases by all local organisations and have a satellite link up with all the London news networks so that we can access all the national and international news.
Who owns Spire FM?
We're part of a radio group based in High Wycombe called The Local Radio Company It's a group that owns nearly 30 other stations around the country.
Are you broadcasting on DAB digital radio?
There is currently no commercial DAB service specifically covering our area of South Wiltshire and West Hampshire. When one does become available we hope to be part of the multiplex.
Who is your regulatory body?
Our licence is overseen by OFCOM and we work under very strict guidelines and codes of practice. They have the power to fine the station or even take our licence away if we misbehave!
How many CD's do you have?
Most of the music we play comes from our computerised playout system and the music is stored on a huge hard drive, there is capacity for around 15,000 songs. We do however also maintain a CD library for emergency purposes in the studio although this is a lot smaller!
How do I get into radio?
Get yourself noticed! We do offer work experience to students (16 years and above) who have already shown some interest in radio. If you really want it, your passion will show through. Don’t expect to get your own show straight away! You will be required to “multi skill” and work in all areas of programme production. You can see the latest vacancies in the Local Radio Company from the front page on this website.
How do I become the next Chris Ewington?
Are you serious?! The best advice is to get as much experience under your belt as possible and be yourself – don’t try to be someone else or a cheesy DJ! Make some tapes and keep on trying!
Technical Information:
Spire FM serves South Wiltshire and West Hampshire on 102 FM from our transmitter mast located a few miles north of Salisbury, you should receive a strong signal within a 15 mile radius of the city. We can also be heard as far as the Isle of Wight to the South and Swindon to the North.
If you live in our official reception area and are experiencing reception difficulties please get in touch, you can call us on (01722) 416644 or email studio@spirefm.co.uk
