Radio in the Community
Frequent announcements make the point that Penistone FM is "Your Community Radio Station" and it has found ways to make this a reality. Live programmes every day include Community News, Barnsley job opportunities and local weather forecasts but the team also travel around the area to attend local events and become involved in what is going on. This might take the form of OBs (Outside Broadcasts) in village halls, various events, local galas and of course Penistone Show. Penistone FM has a presence at all of the main events in the area.
In the 2009, Martin Sugden held some political interviews. He interviewed Angela Smith (Labour MP for Hillsborough) and Shadow Housing Minister, Grant Shapps, (Conservative MP for Welwyn Hatfield and now housing minister). Political balance was carefully observed, as a requirement of the Ofcom licence. During the 2010 election period, all of the political parties with local candidates presented their election policies and promises, to help the electorate decide.
Other studio interviews have been light and non-political. One was with Constance, a dear old lady who writes hymns and poems, another was local group 'Blackjak', who played on the 2009 parade weekend 2009. Local theatrical groups have also been interviewed about their latest productions from time to time. In fact, in their first year there has been a wide variety of out and about and studio interviews. All good stuff.
During the bleak winter of 2009/10, traffic announcements were particularly useful, especially with all of the roadworks which sprang up. Another new thing for 2010 was the instigation of a listeners' panel to provide feedback and ideas to the station management. Something like 'Quality Control', I guess. New volunteers for this are needed from time to time and listeners are encouraged to put their names forward. (Contact Andrew Millner - andrew.millner(at)penistonefm.co.uk - to apply).
The PFM Gazebo
The top row pictures show are at Penistone Gala. The first one was 2007 and shows Richard Ward, Martin Sugden and Colin Geldard. I don't recognise that nice lass. The next three were from 2009. In the third picture we have Charlotte 'Charlie' Sissons and Helen Turner (the taller one) who both have regular top shows. Station Director Darren Holmes is also shown on the right, sagely looking for inspiration in the Gala programme. The bottom row were from Penistone Show 2009. Martin Sugden is central to the first picture talking to Andrew Millner and someone in disguise. Jody is looking studious in the second picture and Richard Ward is in the third with Jody and Keith. Jody is interviewing one of the stouter locals in the last picture.
First Open Day
PFM had its first Open Day in the bleak January of 2010. Andrew Millner acted as an excellent tour guide and explained in depth how the station and its equipment worked. The first two pictures show Andrew in full flow. Their radio engineer (just visible, left of first picture) was also very helpful in explaining the finer technical details. The third picture shows 'Myriad' software, used to organise play order and much more. The last picture is of 'Cuddly' Colin Geldard doing his Open Day show.
Congratulations
We Penistonians (and Silkstonians and Thurlstoners, etc.) should congratulate everyone at Penistone FM for what they have achieved so far. I have met a few of the team and they are all very enthusiastic and dedicated to bringing us great radio with really good music. We should remember that they don't make so much as a bean out of doing it, it's all in their spare time and they have their day jobs to do as well. Of course, PFM's continued success depends upon people listening to and interacting with them, which I trust that you will.
Now here's my 'Young Mr Grace' moment, I say: "Keep up the good work. You're all doing very well". Three cheers: " Hip - hip..."
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