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FUSE FM is On the Air!

16 June 2014

The popular part time local Ulster Scots radio station, fUSe FM returned at 8.00am on Monday 16th June for its now annual 28 days summer broadcast. Broadcasting from their new purpose built fUSe FM studio in the Ullans Centre, 65 Main Street, this will be the fifteenth time fUSe will have gone on air in the Toon.

The concept of fUSe (For Ulster Scots Enthusiasts) came from the Ulster Scots Agency back in 2007 and in December of that year, the station first went on air in Ballymoney for a 14 day period. In that short time period, with a very limited radius, the station attracted 2,500 texts from the public. Encouraged by the success of the station, those responsible for the management of it, decided to apply for another licence in March 2008. This time the number of texts received totalled 7,500 for the 14 days it was on air.

fUSe FM soon became established in the Ballymoney area, broadcasting from different locations until the Ullans Centre was opened in July 2009.  The Ullans Speakers Association designed and built a purpose built radio and recording suite on the first floor of the building. Listening audiences never decreased and feedback from the public remained high with text totals passing the 50,000 mark that summer and then going beyond 78,000 in the 2010 Christmas run. Now moved to bigger premises at the bottom of Main Street we yet again have built a bigger and better studio within the centre.

One of the main reasons why fUSe FM became so successful in Ballymoney is the use of the native Ulster Scots tongue while focussing on cultural, heritage and community interests. The Ullans Speakers Association is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of our native Ulster Scots language and the group recognises the importance of radio as a means of doing both.

fUSe FM attempts to cater for all tastes with shows dedicated to specific genres of music. The normal Breakfast Show deals mainly with music from the 1960s, 70s and 80s and this show is normally followed by a two-hour local country show where presenters alternate between Charlie & Mervyn and Jim & Noel. Lunch times focus on contemporary music whilst the Drivetime Show featuring Codie and Sterlin takes on quizzes, modern music and banter.  Evenings have various shows and there’s something for everyone with the weekend schedule.  

We are delighted to welcome new presenters to the team, Trevor, Ivor, Jonny, who will each bring their own unique style to their shows. 

Fuse fm Ballymoney was granted one of five full time community licences in Northern Ireland, and we plan to launch the station full time by spring 2015. At present we would like to hear our listener’s feedback on their listening experience with the station and would encourage everyone to take a few minutes and fill out our online survey at the website www.fusefmballymoney.com alternatively call the centre on 02827668897 and a paper copy can be posted out.

Since its inception, fUSe fm has really been at the hearts of the North Antrim community and from 2007 until now; over £6000 has been donated to charities.

This summer broadcast will see us embark on our 15th broadcast from the toon. As usual, fUSe can be contacted for all your requests and shout outs by texting 07936 007 888 (the direct link to the studio).  So tune into 106.2fm from Monday 16th June onwards.  Listeners can also tune in via the internet at www.fusefmballymoney.com.