Community Radio Station, Elastic FM, which has broadcast over the internet for more than 9 years, is pleased to announce that they have been awarded an FM licence by OFCOM.

Formed in 2011, Elastic FM has developed a positive reputation for supporting the local community. This has included providing exposure to a variety of small businesses and charities, as well as hosting annual events giving awards to local people and businesses and (Christmas Cheer Event) to show care for the local elderly at Christmas.

Elastic FM hosts an eclectic mix of live shows from their purpose-made studios in Clowne. This includes most genres of music and talk shows that focus on health and well-being.

Commenting on the news, joint founder and Chairman of Elastic FM David Lilley, who has also worked in professional media radio, said,

“This is wonderful news for us. I am especially pleased for all of the volunteers and supporters who have made Elastic FM what it is today. This positive outcome is not just about the 30 plus people that are involved in Elastic FM today, it’s about some of the people who have supported us in the past. This list includes too many people to mention by name but they know who they are. I would, however, like to express special thanks to our much loved former presenter Kathryn Mayall, who tragically passed away a few years ago, to Tony Buckingham and Buckingham Insurance for being our main studio providers and sponsors and to caring local lady Karen Child, who has made kind donations to help us with equipment over the last 8 years. Finally, my thanks to all of the current Presenters and Elastic FM Directors. We are all volunteers and some of our team dedicate a lot of precious, personal time to this project. Of extra special note is Director Stuart Haywood, who has worked really hard to support and train our current crop of presenters alongside our technical Director Roger Neale”

Due to the current impact of the Coronavirus, Elastic FM has confirmed that there may be a delay before FM broadcasting can commence due to the time required to purchase and install the special equipment needed to broadcast over FM.

However, planning is now underway to arrange this.
Co-founder and Technical Director of Elastic FM Roger Neale said, “After 8 years of hard teamwork and dedication and our endeavours to prove our value to the community, we are proud to have won OFCOM’s trust and an FM licence. I would like to echo David’s thoughts in thanking the team who have helped us to get here. The work is now under-way to ensure we can get up on running on FM as soon as possible. During the current government lockdown, this is going to cause some delays but our EFM board are meeting using video technology to map the way forward. Meantime, anyone who wishes to listen to Elastic FM can do so via the website or Apps such as Free Radio or Tune In and on Smart Speakers”

Elastic FM welcomes people and businesses who would like to get involved with them as advertisers, sponsors, presenters or community volunteers. All enquiries can be directed to studio@elasticfm.co.uk