Rother FM - Ofcom Licensing

Weather
Section 105 (B) and (C): Catering for tastes and interests/broadening choice
Respondents to our market research showed a strong interest in local weather and local
travel news. We will have user-friendly weather forecasts twice an hour that don’t just give a
list of numbers and conditions but actually puts the weather in context – “that’s warmer than
today…” or, “it’ll mean a frosty start in most areas.” The rural nature of much of the borough
means that agriculture is still a factor and our 7am weather forecast will also include more
detail about rainfall and other relevant information. Rotherham encompasses a variety of
areas and landscapes, and at times of severe weather – snow in particular – we will
encourage listeners to let us know what it’s like where they are and of any particular problems
in any part of the area. We will of course provide a full service of school closures should the
weather become really severe.
Travel news
Travel news will be similarly interactive. Compiled by our presenters using information from
the police, local council and the Highways Agency, listeners will be invited to contribute if it’s
safe and legal for them to do so. Due to the closeness of our Group’s Yorkshire stations,
information about major travel news affecting the region, such as last autumn’s closure of the
M1, can be shared quickly between Rother FM, Ridings FM, Trax FM and Dearne FM.
“What’s Ons”
“What’s Ons” also proved of great interest in our market research. These will be dealt with in
several ways. Local charities and non-profit making groups will be able to send us details of
their activities, which will be added to our website and featured in ad hoc mentions by
presenters. We will also have a local “gig guide” each evening, highlighting entertainment
events in the area and supporting local live music, drama and other activities. As with Trax
FM, we will take a particular interest in the local music scene, and we will play tracks by local
bands and artists as part of our gig guide where appropriate.
Business and Industry
“Business and finance” was the least popular news and information topic of all surveyed;
however, more than a third of respondents expressed interest. We suspect that business
news has a perception problem. Given the big interest in both “local news” and “local
people”, we believe news of local business developments, told in an entertaining and relevant
way, can be a popular and valuable part of Rother FM’s output. Our business headlines,
three times a day at 8am, 1pm and 6pm, are part of our desire to be “Rotherham Proud”. We
are keen to promote positive developments in the borough, while of course reflecting negative
aspects too. Rotherham is going through similar times to both Doncaster and Barnsley, and
both Trax FM and Dearne FM have given thorough coverage to the new developments taking
in their towns – such as Doncaster’s Interchange development and the latest on the new
airport at Finningley. Rother FM will adopt a similar approach.
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