Local community radio station, Purbeck Coast 101.2 FM, has been shortlisted in the annual national Community Radio Awards.
The radio station based on Swanage Pier, has been nominated in two categories, from more than 430 entries from stations across the UK.
In the studio – Frankie Rae presenting the Breakfast Show
Frankie Rae nominated in the Sage Person category
Presenter Frankie Rae is a contender in the category of Sage Person, which celebrates those over the age of 60.
Frankie, born in 1950, currently presents the specialist music shows Soul Time and Sixties Memories. He’s also presented the Breakfast Show for the last two years, mainly live in the studio in Marine Villas but then during lockdown, recording the show from his kitchen.
Radio presenter Frankie Rae
Friendly voice to the community
He brings a friendly voice to the community and has become a stalwart of the presenting team, listened to and loved by many local residents who often send him messages or ring in.
On the Breakfast Show, he promoted local events and highlighted local news, as well as putting a lot of thought into providing listeners with a good mix of music to start their day.
Sports+ nominated for Sports Show of the Year
The second nomination is for the programme Sports+ in the category of Sports Show of the Year.
Presented by Andrew Bordiss, Rena Lang and Andy Jones and produced by Sue Banner, it’s a weekly show with news, views, interviews, match reports, quizzes and live broadcasts. The 30 minute programme is sponsored by the Isle of Purbeck Golf Course on the outskirts of Swanage.
Sports+ presenters, Andrew Bordiss and Rena Lang at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Course
Zoom interviews with sporting stars
With no sport being played in lockdown they kicked off with Zoom interviews with sporting stars like the former England rugby captain Phil Vickery and cricket commentator Jonathan ‘Aggers’ Agnew.
But the team say the best interviews have been with locals – the ultra marathon runner who didn’t jog until she reached 40, the father diagnosed with a terminal cancer who took to tennis and credited it with saving his life and the sea swimmer who takes a dip every day of the year.
Purbeck Coast FM station manager Michelle Langthorne
“All the team deserve an award!”
Purbeck Coast FM station manager Michelle Langthorne said:
“It’s the first time we’ve entered so it’s fantastic to get nominated in two categories. I’m so pleased for Frankie Rae and the Sports+ team. It hasn’t been easy for anyone over the last 18 months when we all had to suddenly adapt to broadcasting from home and they’ve been brilliant.
“Quite honestly, everyone who helped keep us broadcasting during the lockdowns – all the presenters, producers and technical crew, all the team deserve an award for keeping the show on the air!
“We are now back broadcasting from our amazing studio on the pier and I look forward to building on our successes. We only started broadcasting on FM in 2019 and it’s been an eventful time in ways I never imagined – there’s plenty to look forward to.”
The winners will be revealed in a ceremony on Saturday 23rd October 2021 at the Coventry Transport Museum, in partnership with Coventry UK City of Culture.
“We wish Purbeck Coast FM good luck“
Martin Steers, Community Radio Awards chair, said:
“As face to face events resume, it’s great to get together and celebrate the hard work of the last 18 months. Many stations have further cemented their essential community role in this time, and it is great to reflect.
“It is clear to see from this, that passionate presenters, volunteers, and staff are really there for their audiences.
“We wish Purbeck Coast FM good luck and can’t wait to host the ceremony in Coventry in October.”
