Inspiration FM

Inspiration FM is a community radio station in Northampton, United Kingdom.Inspiration FM is a community led and managed radio service, providing access, information, entertainment and training. Inspiration FM encourages and promotes a voice for those who are under-represented or socially excluded to provide an outlet for creativity, shared vision and expression.The station broadcasts to the whole of Northampton from its studios in Northampton town centre, using a low powered transmitter located off-site at the University of Northampton campus, to north of the town.HistoryThe roots of Inspiration FM are as a pirate radio station, that first started broadcasting in 1994 as a result of collaboration between young men and women of African Caribbean descent who shared a passion for music, dance and communication. The ‘Inspiration Family’ as they have become known, identified the needs of the diverse Northamptonshire communities who were under-represented in media. Programmes on this community radio station are multicultural and tailored to reflect its mainly Punjabi, African and Irish listeners.Working with organisations including local councils, the Council for Ethnic Minority Communities and the Black Policeman’s Association means that this project has moved beyond negative images and now creates positive role models for all young people. With over 60 volunteers and 8 committee members, weekends and evenings are spent working with others, especially young people, encouraging them to utilise their spare time in a positive constructive manner.