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25/03/11 Statement on the closure of Féile FM
“The management committee of Féile an Phobail regrets to announce that broadcasting on our community radio station Féile FM is to be suspended forthwith. For some time we have been heavily subsidising the station but now have reached a stage where the overhead costs are unsustainable. In the current economic climate advertising and sponsorship opportunities are very limited and are more inclined to be attracted to more commercial stations.
“Since last June we have looked at a number of rescue plans, including moving to a variety of new premises to lower costs, but these plans did not prove viable alternatives. As a management committee we have a responsibility to protect Féile an Phobail. We feel that we are unable to continue, at this time, with Féile FM. The management committee team have opted for immediate suspension of the station as it can no longer be maintained with the use of restricted, shared and vital resources at the same rate or in the same way, particularly as we are obligated to coordinate and oversee our other quality community festivals.
“We would like to thank all those staff and volunteers who worked on the station in many capacities and without whose efforts the station would never have been able to transmit on a full-time basis for over three years.
“We would also like to thank OFCOM for all their help and support, and to OFCOM we return the full-time licence which we were proud to hold.
“Hundreds of people from all ages experienced the thrill of live broadcasting on Féile FM, learnt editorial and presentational skills and news-gathering techniques which raised their personal confidence and self-esteem and contributed to community morale.
“Our plan now is to protect and preserve our equipment with a view to returning, initially, to part-time broadcasting as soon as possible, and with a view to returning as a full-time station in improved economic times.
Danny Morrison
Chairperson, on behalf of the management committee of Féile an Phobail
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Comments have been removed due to the closure of Féile FM. We do hope to open our doors again in the future and apologize for any inconvenience. Statement on closure of Féile FM →