Caithness radio station presenters celebrate new frequency

CAITHNESS FM presenters past and present gathered on Saturday to celebrate the community radio station's new frequency.

After 22 years broadcasting under the Moray Firth Radio umbrella, CFM is now independent and looking forward to many more years of broadcasting in Caithness.

An open day was held at the station's base in Thurso to mark the occasion. It has switched to 106.5 FM after being awarded its own licence from Ofcom, the UK communications regulator.

"We were very pleased with the turnout and we have had a lot of interest from the public and many good-luck messages," said Jackie Johnson, company secretary at CFM.

She added: "We are extremely grateful to the Dounreay Communities Fund which funded 50 per cent of the cost of the project with a grant for £2300. This grant allowed us to buy the equipment that was necessary for us to relaunch as well as publicity costs.

"It really made a difference and we thank them for their help."

The station had been broadcasting on 102.5 FM under the MFR licence. MFR, part of Bauer Media Scotland, has supported CFM with the launch of its frequency which gives the station the opportunity to broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Programming will now start at 6pm every evening, finishing at 11pm, with MFR continuing to be broadcast on the new frequency outwith these times. Jackie pointed out that having its own channel will give the CFM team more opportunities to broadcast live from events and get out and about in the community.

• Caithness FM moving to new wavelength
• Former MFR boss hails 'fantastic commitment' after Caithness switchover

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