On Friday April 28th listeners to Taunton’s Community Radio Station ToneFM will notice that for a short period of time the station will not be available on FM.
This will be down to the Station having a brand new FM Antenna installed.
After over ten years of continuous broadcasting, the Station’s original Antenna, which is located on the roof of The Market House, has now seen better days, and is going to be replaced with a brand new state of the Antenna which has been donated by local business Somerset Jobs.
Once installed, it is anticipated that ToneFM’s signal, within its permitted range, will increase in quality, whilst it will also eliminate a series of blackspots that exist due to the topography of Taunton and surrounding areas.
Station Director Patch Jobson is looking forward to the benefits that the new installation will bring, along with an increase in stability for regular listeners.
“We had been looking for some time to improve our coverage of our permitted area, and when our Engineers undertook a routine service, we discovered the time had come to change the Antenna. Thankfully Stu at Somerset Jobs was kind enough to offer some support to us to do this, which should now improve our service across the area, whilst also future proofing our FM broadcasts for at least another decade.
Director, and supporter of ToneFM Stu Wright from Somerset Jobs explains why he took the decision to assist ToneFM in their ongoing aims;
“With the improvements & growth that’s been happening at the station it’s been great fun to be involved, plus with the help I’ve had from ToneFM it really was a no-brainer to further support the station and ensure the reach is what it should be so it benefits the community.”
The works, which are costing close to a thousand pounds, and include the new Antenna itself, will be completed during the day of Friday April 28th. There will be some down time, but those looking for an alternative will still be able to listen to ToneFM, Online, On the app. (which is available from the main App. Stores) and also via their smart speakers.