STATION PROFILE

Near FM is the community radio broadcasting arm of the Near Media Co-op. It is a Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) licensed, communally owned, not-for-profit radio station. It is operated by a democratic co-operative, open to all organisations and individuals living or working in the Northside of Dublin.

Near FM broadcasts 24 hours a day over 365 days per year. The station is run by a voluntary committee of management and programmes are produced and presented by a pool of over 150 trained volunteers supported by a core group of staff. Near FM operates an open access policy and aims to provide an alternative to mainstream media, a voice for those underrepresented or excluded, through training and access to distribution facilities across all media platforms. The ethos of Near FM is to educate, inform and entertain. Programming is a mix of talk based programming, educational programming, radio drama and specialist music encompassing all genres.

Since becoming a fully licensed community station in 1995, Near FM have produced over 150 commissioned radio series in a wide variety of formats and genres. These funders include Simon Cumbers, Communicating Europe, Leonardo (EU), Grundtvig (EU) and the BAI Sound & Vision scheme.

Franchise Area: Dublin North-East

Chairperson: Declan Cahill

Radio Coordinator: Sally Galiana

Audience Details: The geographical community living and working in the area covered by the service. Our programming represents and appeals to a diverse audience, including young, old, male, female from every type of background and every type of ability.

Programme Policy: Programming incorporates a positive emphasis on areas such as facilitating and supporting community development, providing access and providing a platform to a wide range of local groups. Programming is a mix of talk based programming and specialist music encompassing all genres.

Broadcasting Hours: 24 Hours a Day, 365 days a year