On Tuesday 27 January Phonic FM, Exeter’s playlist-free community radio station and sound alternative, held its first ever public meeting.

The meeting was held in the auditorium of the Exeter Phoenix with just under 100 people in attendance. Most of those present had some connection with the station, as either volunteers presenter, DJ or technical helper, but members of the listening public were also present.

The meeting heard upbeat updates from three of the station’s directors: Dave Treharne, Patrick Cunningham and Paul Giblin. These updates covered the areas of overall station development, finances and marketing and publicity.

The meeting heard about the many positive developments made since Phonic FM was launched just under a year ago on 15 February 2008. Phonic FM now has a purpose built studio in the Exeter Phoenix basement which is the envy of other community radio stations. We have used our grant income wisely to invest in the studio and now only need a small annual income to sustain our broadcast. Phonic FM has also expanded our live broadcasting time so there are live shows filling almost every slot from 7am to midnight every weekday and from 10am to midnight at weekends. Leafleting campaigns in the city have increased our listening figures, we have a beautiful website complete with a listening function. We also have equipped a second studio to enable us to start to deliver training courses later this year, and we have our first big benefit gig planned for 6 March this year.

It was agreed that whilst there has undoubtedly been much achieved it was also recognised that within certain spheres there were issues to be addressed, and that is our challenge for the year ahead.

There was loud applause after each update and an animated question-and-answer session on all sorts of station issues, from programming decisions to studio equipment and the need for more female presenters.

The meeting was good humoured and the Phonic FM board members listened to suggestions made by presenters, DJs and the general public alike.

The meeting ended with a member of the public calling for yet another round of applause for everyone who has worked so hard to make Phonic FM Exeter’s sound alternative.

For the full minutes of the meeting please click here.