1 October 2014

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

OFCOM has granted Meridian FM, the town’s radio station, a new five-year license which will allow it to broadcast to East Grinstead and the surrounding areas until March 2020.

107 Meridian FM Chairman Liz Bennett said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive the news that Ofcom has extended our licence for a further 5 years. This is due to the hard work and dedication of over 70 volunteers under the management of Peter Monnery, our fantastic MD.

“My gratitude and thanks must also go to our dedicated and diligent secretary Sally Monnery who coordinated the complex and detailed submission that has led to an unopposed maximum license term.

“Ofcom has noted our high levels of local live output, our community news, travel and sports programmes, and our dedicated educational work with teenagers. Meridian FM’s sole purpose is to support the community of East Grinstead, and our surrounding towns and villages, and it is to this end that I am very proud to be its Chair.”

Managing Director Peter Monnery was also delighted by the renewal. “Our local news, events guides, and sports coverage encourage community involvement, promote social cohesion, and build a brighter, better place for us all to live.

“I would like to thank our Chairman Liz Bennett for her outstanding dedication to this precious community asset through some emotionally tough and stretching times in the last year. Also Programme Controller Tony Tappenden for a revolution in our output, Marketing Director Richard Leader for excellent work on our application, News Editor Roy Henderson for his dogged dedication to deadlines and Events Coordinator Tony Nash for his tremendous work promoting Meridian FM at community events.

“All of these factors have led Ofcom to grant us the maximum term of five years for our license, an amazing achievement.

“But of course we would not be a radio station without the work of our local talented and dedicated presenters, giving their time to broadcast live an average seventeen hours a day, seven days a week. What a fantastic credit to our community.”

Town Mayor Nick Hodges offered his own congratulations on behalf of the Town Council. “This is super news for the town as the station has undergone many changes in the past year and is looking to embrace the future offering a real local alternative for radio listeners – we wish them well.”

* Meridian FM can be heard by tuning to 107.0Mhz on the FM Band found on all car and domestic radios. It features local news, views and varied music, with up-to-date information on weather, travel and traffic in our area.

If you want to make a request or simply tell Meridian FM your news, e-mail studio@MeridianFM.com or get in touch on 01342 325222. Look them up on Facebook, Twitter and www.meridianfm.com.

Or tell listeners local breaking news by e-mailing meridianfm.newshub@gmail.com.

Meridian also offers a range of training initiatives for all ages; however they particularly support teenagers with the Broadcast Club, and school and university students with work experience.

Meridian FM is currently looking to expand their volunteer base. They particularly require people with journalistic flair, and also fundraisers for the new “Friends of” initiative. Technical skills and people to support back room tasks are always in demand, but whatever your skills or interests they would love to hear from you.

No previous experience necessary. Please contact admin@meridianFM.com to find out more.