Central 103.1 FM

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103.1 Central FM

Broadcast area	Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire
Slogan	All About the Forth Valley
Frequency	103.1 MHz
First air date	4 June 1990
Format	Contemporary and Memories
Audience share	5.5% (September 2007, [1])
Owner	Local Radio Company PLC
Website	www.centralfm.co.uk

Central 103.1 FM is a radio station in the United Kingdom broadcasting to Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmannanshire from studios in Falkirk High Street.

[edit] Station origins

Local radio in the former Central region started with Centresound, one of a few "incremental" licences issued by the IBA.

This operation fell into financial difficulties and entered into a management contract with Radio Forth. The station was relaunched as Central FM, employing a new business model which included sharing programming, news provision and back office services with Radio Forth.

Despite the operational changes, the company was still not profitable, and in 1996, Radio Investments Limited increased its holding in the company to 60% and assumed operational control. The effective change in ownership led to the dissolution of the management agreement with Radio Forth, and ultimately to the relocation of the station from the John Player Building (aka the Stirling Enterprise Park) in Stirling to Falkirk.

After a round of radio group consolidation, EMAP plc currently hold 20% of Central FM, with the controlling interest (approx 60% of shares) held by RIL's successor company, The Local Radio Company PLC, and the remainder by independent investors, some of whom were involved in the original service, Centresound.

v • d • e

The Local Radio Company