Synergy 102.6 FM, City College’s own radio station, has evolved over the last 13 years or so from an initial idea to help develop the National Diploma in Media’s training and assessment programme, into a vibrant, creative and individual radio station.
The first broadcast from the College was in 1994 when Cream Radio (Community Radio in Education - AM) was formed within the School of Media and Performing Arts. Further broadcasts as Cream-FM throughout the period 1995-99 took place and each time the station broadcast, it developed a little more so that by April 2000 the format and scheduling of Synergy FM had been finalised.
As Station Manager I have seen the station develop and progress over almost 15 years, surveys and questionnaires are continually carried out to ensure our target audience gets to hear what it wants to hear.
A current chart single could find itself next to a reggae or bhangra record just as easily as it could to a Frank Sinatra classic on Synergy. In the evenings and at weekends, airtime is devoted to specialist genres such as hip-hop, r’n’b, alternative rock, blues, indie, and classical music.
Unfortunately the licensing regulations for a Restricted Service Licence (RSL) permit broadcasting for only a maximum of 28 days, and to 2 broadcasts in any one year but with the advent of the internet it is now possible to broadcast 24 hours a day - 52 weeks a year.
Synergy is always interested in any ideas to help improve and develop the station and anyone who would like to get involved in some way just needs to contact me at the station.
Mick Wheeler
Station Manager