Bright future for community radio station after it secured license extension

The future is bright for a community radio station after it secured a further five years on the airwaves.

Calon FM, currently based in Wrexham city centre celebrated their re-launch earlier this year, has been granted a license extension by regulator Ofcom.

It comes after an exciting and busy year for Calon FM, which has extended Welsh Language and Portuguese programming, and covered key events in Wrexham and the surrounding areas, such as the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, fan zones, St. David’s Day, Wrexham Feast, Bellevue Christmas Light Switch On and last weekend’s hugely successful Christmas Market in Queen’s Square.

The year has also seen the station shortlisted as a finalist for two prestigious national awards.

Calon FM started this year with 23 volunteers, and has expanded to nearly 40.

They’ve also welcomed long-term placements from Wrexham Glyndwr University and worked in partnership with Careers Wales to engage with schoolchildren across the region and help support the new curriculum in Wales.

Business Development Manager, Allan Longshadow said: “Here at Calon FM, our Wrexham community is at the heart of everything we do.

“We are delighted that Ofcom has recognised the importance of our work in the local community and the unique opportunities we offer.

“We are extremely proud of what our team of volunteers have achieved to date and are delighted that many more will now have the opportunity to get involved in radio and develop a range of skills, many of which are highly sought after in the workplace.”

Production Manager, Arran Hodges added: “We’re really grateful for the support we have received from local businesses and residents since our re-launch last year, as well as other stakeholders within the community.

“We’ve worked really hard to bring new experiences to our listeners and our focus going into 2023 is going to be expanding our programming further.

“It’s been wonderful throughout the year to be able to support so many people in building confidence on air and it’s something I look forward to doing next year too.”

If you are interested in volunteering with Calon FM, the station has a fantastic range of opportunities that are open to both English and Welsh speakers. No experience necessary, full training will be given. For more information contact [email protected]