New homecoming plan for Oban FM
Oban FM is on the move and hopes to be broadcasting from its new home at The Rockfield Centre soon.
The community-run station moved out of its George Street premises earlier this month and into a temporary space in the former school’s headteacher’s office. If all goes to plan, the station and its team of about 30 presenters will take up residence in Rockfield’s 56 Block by August.
A fundraising campaign for the digital state-of-the-art studio is ongoing, with almost £20,000 in the pot thanks to support from listeners, Awards For All and the National Lottery. There is just another £5,000 to go.
The pandemic derailed the station’s fundraising campaign, but now it is back on track, with the team planning to have the station’s trailer at Oban’s Charities Day in June.
Station manager Laura Johnstone said: ‘It’s a whole new start for Oban FM. It’s going to put us right in the heart of Oban and means we will be even more present and visible in the community.
‘The move and all the latest technology will give us much more scope to do what we want to do – more podcasts and more outdoor broadcasting. Exciting times ahead.’
And she added: ‘The move is not without its challenges. It’s not just moving furniture – it’s all our equipment as well!’
A central meeting room flanked by two digital studios offering maximum flexibility for recording and broadcasts is all part of the plan for the popular station, which has a worldwide audience tuning in.
To make the move happen, Oban FM has had to go off air temporarily but will be back as soon as possible.
Laura continued: ‘Our listeners tune in from all over the world and I know they’re missing us. I got an email from a woman in Brazil the other day wanting to know why she couldn’t get her usual programme! I had to explain we were on the move to new premises but would be back to normal as soon as we can.’
Supporters can donate to the Road to Rockfield fund by visiting www.obanfm.scot.
People can also go to the website to become a member, making a monthly donation of £10 to help support the station, which formed in 1992 and is licensed to serve North Argyll until 2028.