AIR stands for All Inclusive Radio. AIR began its life as a student radio station, streaming online and to Westfield Arts College. It soon grew and pulled together students from across the locale to jointly broadcast on AIR. Students work towards nationally recognised accreditations whilst having the opportunity to gain real media experience.[1]
AIR 107.2 is also responsible for hosting the annual "Party in the Park" event, which is hosted on the first weekend in August at Lodmoor.[2]
It was officially opened by BBC Radio 1 veteran, Ed Stewart, with a balloon release of 200 helium balloons[1] and a live celebratory concert held on the field of Westfield Arts College. Many local dignitaries and media representatives attended the launch including; Dorset Echo, BBC Radio Solent, BBC Spotlight, Weymouth View and students from various schools across Dorset.[1]
In April 2012, AIR was awarded FM Community Radio status by Ofcom. In July the radio station was invited to the House of Commons as finalists in the Arqiva Schools Radio Station of the Year Awards. AIR received an Arqiva Special Commendation Award.
AIR held a further live event, hAIRaiser, at Weymouth Pavilion on 31 October. A third live event was hosted at the Dorchester Corn Exchange involving performances by local artists all of whom performed to raise money for AIR.
2020-21: programming changes
The station underwent some major programming changes, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Presenters Brad Butterworth and Steve Carpenter started new morning shows on the station.[3] Further changes were also made to the afternoons on the stations schedule.[4]
In August 2020, Robson James was appointed as the managing director for AIR FM CIC from a previous directors role. In January 2021, Brad Butterworth was appointed Programming Director for AIR FM CIC after previously being appointed the Programme Controller.
In February 2021, AIR 107.2 and a Yeovil radio station, Radio Ninesprings, began joint-broadcasting the Somerset and Dorset Quiz,[5] aimed at boosting moral in the third national lockdown in England by getting as many households in the two broadcast areas to play along and interact.[6][7]
2022-23: expansion
In February 2022 AIR was awarded a power increase on the transmitter at Wyke Regis by Ofcom, quadrupling the output from 25 watts to 100 watts.[8] In May 2022 both Robson James and Brad Butterworth stepped down from their positions as directors, with Robson continuing to be part of Air with his Monday evening show 'Monday Evening's With Robson' from 8pm and also in his technical role.
2023 saw the start of more volunteer recruitment, with presenter Oscar Brown beginning a 2000s and 2010s anthems show in February.
In February 2023 more volunteers in Logan Hansford and Lewis Eyre joined the crew, With Logan joining Oscar Brown on his show with 2000's and 2010's anthems from 8pm on Wednesdays also Logan hosts his own show on Saturdays 12 - 3 pm. Lewis hosts on Sunday 4 pm - 6 pm in his show he includes two songs from a featured artist on Hear A Little / Hear A Lot, a weekly choice from a TV or movie soundtrack, and Lewis’ A-Z of pop.
In April 2023 Air was found in breach of its key commitments after a complaint was made to Ofcom. After listening to a week in December 2022 it appeared that AIR was not delivering the required original output on weekends.[9]
In May 2023, Air was granted another 5-year extension to its licence up until 9 May 2028.[10] It also left Westfield Arts College after entering a partnership with Modern Magazines.[11]
AIR will host the main music stage on the beach for Weymouth Carnival 2024.[12]
Transmitter
Transmission of AIR 107.2 comes from the Arqiva Wyke Regis site. Transmission was increased on 23 February 2022 from 25W to 100W omni at 28m.
