Wessex FM
Wessex FM is a local radio station for the Weymouth, Dorchester and Bridport areas of Dorset. All content is broadcast from its studios in Dorchester. It broadcasts on 97.2FM in Weymouth and Dorchester (from Bincombe Hill transmitter), and on 96.0FM in Bridport (from Bridport Transmitter). Bauer Radio announced on 27 May 2020 that Wessex FM will be rebranded as Greatest Hits Radio from early September 2020.
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| Broadcast area | Weymouth, Dorchester & Bridport |
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| Frequency | FM: 96.0, 97.2 MHz |
| First air date | 4 September 1993 |
| Format | Contemporary |
| Owner | Bauer Radio |
| Website | www.wessexfm.com |
Early days
A group of local radio enthusiasts had been campaigning to have an Independent Local Radio (ILR) station in Dorset for some time, and eventually the Radio Authority issued the licence early in 1993. This was probably one of the last totally independent commercial radio stations in the country.
Having found a suitable premises in the centre of Dorchester, studio construction began while Roger Kennedy started recruiting the on-air team and deciding on the programme format. Roger also suggested the station's on-air name - Wessex FM - and the original strapline - "From the Heart of Dorset"
The station went on the air at 10am on 4 September 1993, with several special guests including veteran presenter Tony Blackburn.
Wessex FM now
It currently has a reach percentage of 42%.[1]
Programming
All of Wessex FM's programming is produced and broadcast from its Dorchester studios. Presenter-led programming airs from 6am – midnight on weekdays, 6am – 6pm on Saturdays and 8am – 4pm on Sundays. All other output is automated.