Radio station
AIR 107.2 is the community radio station for Weymouth and Portland. All content is broadcast from its studios in Weymouth via its transmitter located at Wyke Regis.
AIR stands for All Inclusive Radio. AIR began its life as a student radio station, streaming online and to Westfield Arts College.
It soon grew and pulled together students from across the locale to jointly broadcast on AIR. Students work towards nationally recognised accreditations whilst having the opportunity to gain real media experience.[1]
AIR 107.2 is also responsible for hosting the annual event "Party in the Park", which is hosted on the first weekend in August at Lodmoor Country Park.[2]
History
2011
AIR began streaming via its website on Wednesday 11 May 2011. The station was endorsed by many celebrities including Chris Evans, Jonathan Ross, Lorraine Kelly, Carol Vorderman, Chris Jarvis and many more.[1]
The station was officially opened by BBC Radio 1 veteran, Ed Stewart.
On the launch day of AIR - Student Radio, 200 helium filled balloons were released into the air[1] and a live celebratory concert was held on the field of Westfield Arts College.
Many local dignitaries and media representatives attended the launch including; Dorset Echo, BBC Radio Solent, BBC Spotlight, Weymouth View and students from various schools across Dorset.[1]
2012
In April, AIR was awarded FM status by Ofcom. In July the radio station was invited to the Houses of Commons as finalists in the Arqiva Schools Radio Station of the Year Awards. AIR received an Arqiva Special Commendation Award.
AIR held a further live event, hAIRaiser, at Weymouth Pavilion on 31 October. A third live event was hosted at the Dorchester Corn Exchange involving performances by local artists all of whom performed to raise money for AIR.
2020
The station underwent some major programming changes, despite the pandemic. Notable local presenters Brad Butterworth and Steve Carpenter all started new morning shows on the station. In June 2020 Brad started a new weekday breakfast show,[3] in August 2020 Steve started a new weekday mid-morning show. Further changes were also made to the afternoons on the stations schedule.[4]
In August 2020, Robson James was appointed as the managing director for AIR FM CIC from a previous directors role.
2021
In January 2021, Brad Butterworth was appointed Programming Director for AIR FM CIC after previously being appointed the Programme Controller.
In February 2021, AIR 107.2 and Radio Ninesprings began joint-broadcasting the Somerset and Dorset Quiz[5] every Tuesday night between 8-10PM. The quiz was aimed at boosting moral in the 3rd national lockdown in England, by getting as many households in the two broadcast areas to play along and interact. Notable presenters/producers include Brad Butterworth, Robson James and Steve Carpenter.[6][7]
2022
In February 2022 AIR was awarded a power increase on the transmitter at Wyke Regis by Ofcom, quadrupling the output from 25 watts to 100 watts.[8] In May 2022 both Robson James and Brad Butterworth stepped down from their positions as directors, with Robson continuing to be part of Air with his Monday evening show 'Monday Evening's With Robson' from 8pm and also in his technical role.
2023
2023 saw the start of more volunteer recruitment, with the newest presenter Oscar Brown to begin his show with 2000's and 2010's anthems from 8pm on Wednesdays, commencing 1 February 2023. AIR FM CIC is also actively involved with upcoming events, and has been chosen to host the main music stage on the beach for Weymouth Carnival 2024.[9]
In February 2023 more volunteers in Logan Hansford and Lewis Eyre joined the crew, With Logan joining Oscar Brown on his show with 2000's and 2010's anthems from 8pm on Wednesdays also Logan hosts his own show on Saturdays 12 - 3 pm. Lewis hosts on Sunday 4 pm - 6 pm in his show he includes two songs from a featured artist on Hear A Little / Hear A Lot, a weekly choice from a TV or movie soundtrack, and Lewis’ A-Z of pop.
In April 2023 Air was found in breach of its key commitments after a complaint was made to Ofcom. After listening to a week in December 2022 it appeared that AIR was not delivering the required original output on weekends.[10]
Air 107.2 has been granted another 5-year extension to its licence up until 9 May 2028 [11]
May 2023 saw an overhaul of the board of directors which now consists of 4 board members as at 21 May 2023[12]
May 2023 also saw AIR Leave Westfield Arts College. Following the departure AIR Is now working with Modern Magazines as their exclusive advertising partner and also providing them a space to host their studio.[13]
As Of December 2023 the board of directors consists of 3 members: Max Neilson-Howes, Sharon Stone & Kallum Gethins.[12]
2024
Early 2024 Continued to see an increase in volunteer recruitment with notable volunteers such as Alexa Beazer joining the crew.
The Board of directors have big plans for 2024 including brining back previous AIR Events to help improve the stations fundraising.
The current position
In 2012 AIR received official FM Community Radio Status from OFCOM.
