As Stafford’s community radio station Stafford FM was established in October 2001 and completed a number of 28-day Restricted Service License (RSL) FM trials serving Stafford and the surrounding areas. The long term goal was to gain a permanent small-scale commercial radio license from the then regulator, the Radio Authority, which was later replaced by Ofcom.
Community radio stations typically cover a smaller and more local geographical area with a coverage radius of around 5km operating on a not-for-profit basis. This means there are no
shareholders who gain financially from the station. Both commercial and community radio stations carry advertising and sponsorship to cover their operating costs. However, in
community radio stations only half of the income can come from advertising and sponsorship and the other half must come from other sources, i.e. funding, donations, events and
other services. Any profits generated by the community radio station are ploughed back into the station for securing and improving the provision of the radio service and delivering
social gain and benefits to the community.
Stafford FM has been broadcasting online 24/7 since 2011 alongside a number of RSL trials. In 2013 Ofcom announced the release of applications for community radio licenses in
the midlands and in 2014 Stafford FM was successfully awarded a full time community radio licence which launched on air in the Spring of 2015.
Stafford FM is a volunteer led organisation situated at the heart of the community, aiming to giving a voice to local residents and organisations. We operate on a not-for-profit basis funded by sponsors, advertisers, grants and public donations. Stafford FM is committed to producing quality programming fostering the spirit, essence and interests of the local area.
We recognise the importance of a comprehensive and up to date local news service and aim to provide the latest local news and sport coverage, in addition to community interest programming and events broadcasting. Stafford FM is a truly unique brand, specifically targeting the County Town, flavoured with range of popular music.