The real Chorley FM
'Kay's station' gets broadcast licence
Chorley FM – the fictional radio station Peter Kay created for Phoenix Nights – is to become a reality.
Regulators at Ofcom have granted a five-year licence to a community radio station in the Lancashire town following a campaign backed by Kay’s co-star Dave Spikey.
The comic, pictured, said: ‘This is great news for Chorley people, they now have the chance to showcase their talents on the airwaves, and really get involved in the cultural life of the town.’
For the past few years, Chorley FM has been operating on a restricted licence for a few weeks each year, but now plans to launch a full 24-hour service next summer following the announcement.
Unlike the crass commercial station featured on Kay’s comedy, which boasts such catchphrases as ‘coming in your ears’, the real Chorley FM aims to develop radio skills among the town’s young. It is now seeking sponsors to help finance the full service.
Chris Mellor, cultural services manager for Chorley Borough Council said: ‘The radio station will help promote Chorley’s distinctiveness and raise our artistic profile, too long in the shadow of oversized Bolton comedians.’Published: 8 Sep 2005
