Radio Gloucester FM

Gloucester FM brings reggae, R&B, hip-hop, gospel and UK urban music together with conversation about life in Gloucester. Its community focus includes the city's Black and minority ethnic residents and people who have had fewer opportunities to take part in broadcasting. Music of Black origin provides the connection between entertainment, cultural identity and practical information, rather than being confined to a single specialist programme.

The project grew out of efforts by Derrick Francis and Simme Ranks to restore a local broadcasting voice after Vibes FM ended. With support from the Barton, Tredworth and Eastgate Trust, training led to a first broadcast on 6 October 2000. That initial run lasted 22 days during Black History Month. The station's subsequent work has retained an emphasis on developing presentation, interviewing and technical skills alongside putting programmes on air.

Community Link Show, presented by Shauna B, makes room for interviews, discussion and news with local, Caribbean and wider international connections. Lady Sue's afternoon programme combines R&B, hip-hop, reggae and UK sounds. Mario Pittas explores contemporary Christian music in Passion No Limits, including gospel rap, grime, drum and bass, soul and Afrobeats. These programmes approach different parts of the community through both records and conversation.

The musical range also includes smooth jazz and soul in Smoothgrooves, mellow selections and lovers rock in Set The Tone, and dedicated reggae and hip-hop sessions. Breakfast programming adds news, weather and travel to that mix. Gloucester FM is consequently rooted in particular musical cultures while addressing the everyday concerns of the city around it.