In the first of our Grass Roots features, highlighting the many local grassroots groups and volunteers making a difference in our community, we tune in to Eden FM, Penrith’s very own community radio station.
For over a decade, Eden FM has been a staple of the local airwaves, broadcasting music, conversation, and essential community information to Penrith and the surrounding areas on 107.5 FM. However, behind the microphone, a small but dedicated team of 18 volunteers keeps the station running, collectively contributing close to 10,000 voluntary hours each year to provide this invaluable service free of charge.
Eden FM is an Ofcom-licensed community radio station, not only broadcasting on 107.5 FM but also available worldwide via online streaming. The station’s journey began in 2010 when Lee Quinn spearheaded the campaign for a community station in Penrith. By 2013, the station was granted its community radio licence by Ofcom, and on 23rd June 2014, it officially launched full-time broadcasting.
Since its inception, Eden FM has been a constant presence in the local community, offering a diverse mix of programming from various studio locations around Penrith. In 2022, the station moved to a new studio and transmission site at Newton Rigg, enhancing its broadcast capabilities.
Marking its 10th anniversary in 2024, Eden FM also received a licence renewal from Ofcom, allowing it to continue its programming on 107.5 FM until June 2029, alongside its online streams. Looking ahead, the station plans to expand its reach further by launching on DAB in 2025 as part of the new Small Scale DAB service expected to cover the Carlisle and Penrith areas.
Beyond daily broadcasting, Eden FM actively engages with the local community, offering work experience opportunities to students. In 2025, six placements have already been booked, with students travelling from up to 27 miles away to gain firsthand experience in radio production and broadcasting.
Community radio stations like Eden FM face numerous financial and regulatory challenges. Unlike commercial stations, they must operate within strict Ofcom guidelines, including limitations on advertising revenue, which is capped at £15,000 per year. Despite these constraints, the station continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of its volunteers and ongoing fundraising efforts.
One such initiative took place in September, when presenter Marty Strut hosted a 24-hour radiothon, supported by fellow volunteers and community members, to raise essential funds for the station. This spirit of community-driven support is what keeps Eden FM on the air.
Like many organisations, Eden FM faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. To comply with social distancing measures while continuing to serve the community, the station embraced remote broadcasting technology, enabling volunteers to present shows from home.
Post-pandemic, the station relocated its studio and transmitter to Newton Rigg and, in 2022, secured a £1,000 grant from the town council to replace its aging FM transmitter. Following Ofcom’s approval, the station was also able to increase its transmitter power, improving coverage for listeners.
Reflecting on the station’s journey, founder Lee Quinn emphasises the effort behind the scenes:
“Yes, you can switch on and listen, but a lot has to happen to provide this service for free. Unlike high-street charities with dedicated marketing and fundraising teams, we don’t have shop windows, paid staff, or even set opening hours. As a not-for-profit limited company—a condition of our Ofcom community radio licence—we constantly raise funds just to exist, providing a free service that benefits the entire community.”
Eden FM serves as a platform for emerging artists, local events, sports updates, and community news. With an open-door policy, it welcomes people of all ages and abilities, offering opportunities to participate in broadcasting.
“At Eden FM, we are proud to be different,” Quinn states. “We may not sound like a commercial or national station, but that’s because we focus on giving everyone a chance to be part of local radio. We provide access to professional equipment, pay music royalties, and operate 24/7 to serve the Eden Valley.”
Eden FM operates solely through the dedication of its volunteers and the generosity of its listeners. The station produces 40 to 60 hours of live or newly recorded programming each week, in addition to supporting local events and organisations.
If you’d like to support Eden FM, whether through volunteering, donations, or sponsorship, you can get in touch by emailing admin@edenfm.co.uk. And, most importantly, you can show your support simply by tuning in to 107.5 FM and being part of your local community station.
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