Press Notice

30th January 2020

BRISTOL RADIO STATION RE-OPENS STUDIO AFTER DEVASTATING FIRE

Bcfm Radio have chosen Bob Marley’s Birthday to re-open their main studio following a devastating fire in August this year. The community radio station that has been described as an “integral part of Bristol” has struggled to provide a full live service since the tragedy disrupted the award-winning broadcaster in the Summer.

Pictures of the charred remains of their studio inside Easton Community Centre were beamed across the globe via a host of publications and the stations own social media feed.Despite some of the contents being covered by insurance, a crowdfunder was launched to pay the difference with a target of around £2000. Within 15 days the station had been pledged in excess of £13,000 with other offers in kind from individuals & companies worldwide.

Many businesses and organisations within Easton Community Centre were also affected and the building had to have major work before the rebuild could begin. 

Bcfm CEO & Station Manager Pat Hart said “Our dedicated team of volunteers has been amazing, our engineer Mike Edney is waiting for a heart operation and he’s refused to stop working in order to get the refit finished.”

We’ve been humbled by the generosity of our city and beyond both in support and donations. We’ve managed not only to cover the cost of our studio rebuild but also improve our second studio to enable even more community access which has always been our ultimate aim.” He added “ In a climate where we seem to be more divided than ever, our flagship breakfast programme The One Love Breakfast named after the Bob Marley song,  will host an official 8am opening on the great man’s birthday, Thursday February 6th”

The ribbon is due to be cut by a randomly chosen donor from the crowdfunder appeal. ENDS