Heartland FM
Broadcast areaHighland Perthshire
Frequency97.5 MHz, Online[1]
History
First air date
14 March 1992[1]
Links
Websitewww.heartland.scot

Heartland FM is a community owned radio station based in Pitlochry, broadcasting to the Highland Perthshire area.[2][3]

One of the longest serving community owned radio stations in Scotland, Heartland FM has been broadcasting since 1992.[4] The station covers the Highland Perthshire area, with a focus on local programming, by drawing on members of the community to present programmes and provide technical backup. The station operates with a charitable status, governed by a board of trustees, and funded by a hybrid of grant and advertisement money.[5][6]

As of October 2023, Heartland FM is due to merge with a neighbouring station, Crieff-based Radio Earn, with the station's FM signal extending into the lowland Perthshire region for the first time.[7]

History

Heartland FM started broadcasting in 1992, when it was set up to serve the Highland Perthshire area which, at that time, did not have access to FM quality broadcasts, and only limited analogue television. Broadcasting on a part-time basis from the outset,[8] the station now runs a full schedule every day of the week.[5]

Since 2019, the station has developed as part of a larger multimedia platform, which also supports IRIS,[9] a digital community magazine; and a website which provides a daily news service.

In March 2023, Heartland FM scaled back its broadcast service due to financial issues, with paid station manager Alistair Smith exiting and the station returning to a purely volunteer-run operation.[10]

Programming

Heartland FM broadcasts a range of programming throughout the day and week, with a breakfast programme every morning, as well as afternoon and drive time slots. Among the daytime programming, the station also features a range of specialist shows, focusing on country music, rock and roll, traditional Scottish music and Scottish political news.[11]

Awards

Heartland FM has been the recipient of numerous awards and nominations, including Best Radio Station 2012 at the Scottish New Music Awards.[12]

The station also won the silver award for Community Show of the Year in 2019,[13] and was nominated for Arts & Creative Radio of the Year in 2020, at the Community Radio Awards.[14]

In 2021, Heartland FM won the silver award for Station of the Year at the Community Radio Awards, as well as the bronze award for Live Event or Outside Broadcast of the Year, in recognition of their coverage of the 2021 Scottish Parliament election. Journalist Ashleigh Keenan-Bryce won the gold award for Best Newcomer to Radio, while presenter Katherine Lilley won the silver award for Best Female Presenter.[15]

References

  1. 1 2 "Ofcom: Heartland FM". Ofcom. Ofcom. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  2. ↑ "Ofcom: Heartland FM Coverage Map" (pdf). Ofcom. Ofcom. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  3. ↑ David G. Bobbett (December 1998), The World Radio and TV Handbook, 1999, Watson-Guptill Publications, Incorporated, ISBN 978-0-8230-5931-7
  4. ↑ "Heartland FM relocates Perth transmitter". RadioToday. 11 July 2013. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  5. 1 2 "History of Heartland FM". Heartland Multimedia. Heartland Multimedia. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  6. ↑ "Heartland Radio Foundation Charity Details". Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
  7. ↑ Menzies, Johnathon (15 October 2023). "Radio Earn announce exciting merger with Heartland FM". Daily Record. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  8. ↑ "Episode 1". Heartland FM. 14 May 1999. BBC. BBC Two.
  9. ↑ "Get Involved with IRIS Magazine". Heartland Multimedia. Heartland Multimedia. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  10. ↑ "Heartland FM scales back service as Station Manager exits". RadioToday. 20 March 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  11. ↑ "Heartland FM Schedule". Heartland Multimedia. Heartland Multimedia. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  12. ↑ "Best Radio Station award for Heartland". Daily Record. 11 November 2013. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  13. ↑ "Winners announced at the 2019 Community Radio Awards". Radio Today. 27 October 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  14. ↑ "Luncarty Lockdown podcast could gain a gong for Heartland FM". Daily Record. 24 November 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  15. ↑ "2021 Community Radio Awards recognise the best of the nation". Community Radio Awards. 25 October 2021. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
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