Island FM

Island FM
Broadcast area	Bailiwick of Guernsey
Frequency	FM: 104.7 MHz (Guernsey); 93.7 MHz (Alderney); DAB: 12A (Channel Islands);
RDS	IslandFM
Programming
Language(s)	English
Format	CHR/Pop
Network	Hits Radio Network (for sales purposes)
Ownership
Owner	Tindle Radio
Sister stations	Channel 103; Soleil Radio; Midlands 103
History
First air date	15 October 1992; 32 years ago
Technical information
Licensing authority	Ofcom
Links
Webcast	Radioplayer
Website	Island FM

Island FM is an Independent Local Radio station broadcasting across the Bailiwick of Guernsey on 104.7 FM and 93.7 FM in Alderney.

Launched in 1992, Island FM remains the sole commercial station in the island and continues to be extremely successful with high listenership figures.

Listening figures under a 2018 RAJAR survey showed that out of a population of 53,000 adults, 31,000 listened each week, at an average of 11.6 hours per person giving a 37% market share.^{[citation needed]}

As of September 2024, the station broadcasts to a weekly audience of 29,000 with a listening share of 35.8%, according to RAJAR.^[1]

History

Island FM was founded by Guernsey businessman Kevin Stewart, who was the station's Managing Director until 2002.

In February 1998, Sir Ray Tindle acquired Island FM and the station became the first part of the Tindle Radio Group, which later went on to purchase Jersey's Channel 103^[2]

In late 2020, Island FM became a part of Bauer's Hits Radio Network for commercial sales.^[3] It remains owned by Tindle with no shared programming.

Island FM began digital radio transmissions, alongside Channel 103, on 1 August 2021 with the launch of the local Ofcom-licensed DAB multiplex for the Channel Islands.

Programming

Island FM's core audience is the 15-45 age group,^[4] playing contemporary hits - predominantly from the 1980s to the present day.

News bulletins are presented locally from 6am until 6pm, Monday to Friday. The station's weekend news service broadcasts local content, presented either from Jersey or Guernsey from 8am until noon. Sky News provides the service outside these times.^[5]

Transmission

Island FM has broadcast on 104.7 FM in Guernsey and 93.7 FM in Alderney since launching in 1992.

The station began DAB+ transmissions, alongside those of Channel 103, on 1 August 2021 with the launch of the local Ofcom-licensed DAB multiplex for the Channel Islands. This service is radiated from transmitters at Les Touillets in Guernsey and Les Platons in Jersey.