Cinque Ports Radio has turned off its Rye transmitter because of interference problems. 95.1 FM fell silent on Thursday, August 21.
The community radio station, which also covers the Romney Marsh, is still broadcasting on 100.2 FM but hopes to back on-air in Rye soon.
The transmitter shut down has been brought about because of the reception difficulties says Cinque Ports Radio managing director, James Clark. “Our licence doesn’t let us broadcast at anywhere near enough power to cover this area plus there’s an interference from a radio station near Boulogne-Sur-Mer in France which blasts across the Channel.”
The radio station is unable to increase the power of the Rye transmitter because of concerns it would interfere with the BBC’s local service in Horsham 70 miles away. Previous plans to move the transmitter to the flagpole at Rye Town Hall have fallen through because planning permission would be required. Rye Town Council agreed to the move earlier in the year.
Cinque Ports Radio is working with regulator Ofcom to come up with a solution. James Clark says he’s hopeful the Rye service can be restored soon. “It’s really frustrating that it’s come to this and I’m sorry it’s so frustrating for our listeners who have been telling us they want us back. We need Ofcom’s help to come up with a technical plan urgently.”
The station first went on air three years ago when it replaced Shoreline Radio. The Rye transmitter at the Hub on Rye Hill started broadcasting eighteen months ago.
Cinque Ports Radio has launched a GoFundMe site to help keep the community station running. The station can also be heard on radio apps, online and on smart speakers.
Good luck, Cinq Ports Radio !