Radio Bishop FM

Bishop FM is a community station based in Bishop Auckland and serving surrounding South Durham communities, including Crook, Spennymoor and Shildon. Launched in 2009, it is operated by volunteers, with most programmes produced in the area. Daytime music ranges from the 1950s to current releases, accompanied by local information and wider news headlines.

Patto's breakfast show mixes music with news, sport and business, including a Motown feature. Gary Burgham's Community Coffee Break brings material made by local groups and music chosen by them into the morning schedule. The One O'clock Update gathers national, regional and local news, while Alan Knowles presents a drivetime programme with local stories and listener messages.

Evening programmes follow particular musical interests. Liz Franklin presents folk, Dave Cummings selects Northern Soul and Martin Cluderay hosts The Monday Driftaway with classic rock. Paul Manuel opens The Vinyl Vault, while Paul Farmer's A.I.R.MIX explores alternative, indie and rock. Northern Connections, presented by Oliver James, concentrates on artists and producers from the North of England.

Local interviews extend beyond music. Gary Burgham has covered the heritage of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, while Oliver James's Sunday Brunch has featured independent filmmaker Dean Midas. Coverage of cultural venues, theatre and community activity adds further South Durham detail. New volunteers complete training and contribute to the station before presenting, linking its locally made output to opportunities for people in the area to learn broadcasting.