Community-led radio station Croydon FM announces FM launch

Croydon’s first community-led radio station Croydon 97.8FM has announced its FM launch plans.

When launched in 2018 by Clive Campbell, a local resident, Croydon FM operated as an online only radio station, which also engaged in community projects and provided employment opportunities as well as supporting youth training and local events

Its 44 members have worked hard to bring young people into their studios in order to gain experience around radio programming and broadcasting. Many of these apprentices have since been involved in the running of Boxpark Croydon as well as The Ends Festival and a number of other events.

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The station won the Business in The Community award at the Mayor of Croydon Civic Awards - and it was also honoured by GRM Daily in recognition for the contributions to the community.

Croydon FM applied for a community license in 2019, hoping to become a licensed radio station - and has continued to operate throughout the pandemic in order to support their community and keep them connected.

Ofcom awarded the station with the licence in 2020 - allowing for the station to continue to serve the diverse communities, as well as platforming local music talent and working on community outreach.

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Rickie Haywood-Williams, known for his work with Kiss FM as well as BBC Radio 1, shared his excitement about the newly licensed station: “I’m fully gassed that Croydon FM is about to Launch. Growing up in the area, I know how much talent Croydon cultivates. So knowing that the station is going to be representing all of that diversity, talent and music is really exciting.”

You can find the station across social media @croydonfm. Visit its website here.

Tope Olufemi is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow them on Twitter