Voice FM, a community radio station, has been broadcasting since 2011 to the Southampton area.
In 2020, it expanded its transmission strength and area through the OFCOM offer and joined the Winchester DAB multiplex. The station also partnered in the upcoming Southampton DAB multiplex bid, which will bring more coverage to the community.
Voice FM primarily targets the under 35 demographic within the geographic area, but its diverse content attracts a wider range of listeners, including specific audiences for its specialist programs.
The station offers a variety of shows throughout the day, including mid-morning, lunchtime, and drivetime shows featuring popular music. They also have a morning show dedicated to mystery year chart hits.
Voice FM’s programming covers a wide range of topics, including well-being, environment, the LGBT+ community, sport, entertainment, business, culture, and specific music genres such as new independent music, EDM, Soca, house, country, jazz, and soul.
With 24/7 broadcasting, Voice FM delivers over 96 hours of locally produced shows each week.
Voice FM operates with a small board of directors and a part-time station manager funded through a retrospective Discretionary Covid grant.
The station relies on the contributions of over 50 volunteers, including longstanding presenters and individuals building their skills and experience in the media industry.
These volunteers support the station through tech support, social media management, website management, and on-air content creation.
As a valuable asset to the city of Southampton, Voice FM actively supports the cultural life and local initiatives, celebrates diversity, and strengthens cohesion and engagement within the community.
The station plays a significant role in building pride in the city and its vibrant culture.
In recent years, Voice FM has deepened its ties to the city by re-focusing itself as a local, Southampton-based radio station.
It collaborates with a local music project to run a weekly South Coast Music chart, promoting and supporting the local music scene.
The station also highlights local acts in its weekly playlist, promotes and reviews local events, and organizes competitions with ticket prizes. Many of its presenters are actively involved in the local cultural scene.
Voice FM actively supports various community projects and organizations. It was a media partner for Southamptons City of Culture bid, promoting opportunities for involvement and showcasing city culture on its shows.
The station currently collaborates with the City Council on a series of Love where you Live local events and creates on-air content with local community projects and organizations.
The station also focuses on providing development, training opportunities, and valuable experience to young people pursuing careers in the media industry.
It moved to new premises hosted by the YMCA in 2017, aiming to develop joint projects and offer more opportunities to young people, particularly in a diverse and disadvantaged area of the city.
It has also discussed partnering with local businesses and the Local Enterprise Partnership to offer media opportunities and training for young people, beyond radio presenting.
Voice FM has a strong commitment to training and mentorship. In 2022, they trained 38 new volunteers in radio and presentation skills, while also providing mentoring and advice to more experienced presenters.
The station organizes forums and masterclasses with media professionals to further enhance skills and knowledge.
Over the years, Voice FM has successfully supported individuals in transitioning into the media industry or becoming professional DJs.
Some volunteers have gone on to secure national radio positions, while others have had opportunities to guest present on national stations.