Community Radio Stations in Stafford

Residents of Stafford have access to community radio services designed to deliver local news, culture, and entertainment directly to the county town. While regional BBC and commercial stations cover the wider Staffordshire area, dedicated community broadcasters focus exclusively on hyper-local issues, grassroots sports, charity events, and local music. The leading station specifically serving the town is Stafford FM, supported by specialized hospital broadcasting and neighbouring community outlets whose signals reach the borough.

Stafford FM (107.3 FM)

Stafford FM is the primary, Ofcom-licensed community radio station dedicated entirely to the town of Stafford and its surrounding villages. Broadcasting on 107.3 FM, online, and via smart speakers, the station is run largely by local volunteers alongside experienced broadcasters.

Stafford FM's programming includes:

  • Hyper-local News and Information: Regular updates on council decisions, road closures, and community campaigns across the ST16, ST17, and nearby postcode areas.
  • Support for Local Charities: Dedicated airtime for local non-profit groups, fundraisers, and community initiatives.
  • Specialist Music and Talk Shows: Evening and weekend schedules featuring diverse music genres, local band showcases, and interviews with community leaders.

Hospital Radio Stafford (HRS)

Operating since 1972, Hospital Radio Stafford is a registered charity providing entertainment and companionship primarily to patients and staff at County Hospital in Stafford, as well as Royal Stoke University Hospital.

While historically confined to hospital bedside units, HRS now broadcasts around the clock online and via mobile apps, allowing Stafford residents to listen from home. The station features request shows, light entertainment, and health-related programming, operated entirely by local volunteers.

Overlapping Community Stations

Depending on elevation and specific location within the borough, Stafford residents can also tune into community radio stations licensed to neighbouring areas:

  • Cannock Chase Radio (89.6 FM / 98.4 FM): Based in neighbouring Cannock, this station's signal reaches into the southern edges of Stafford, providing alternative community coverage and local event listings for the wider area.
  • The Hitmix 107.5 FM: Licensed to Newcastle-under-Lyme, this community station can often be picked up in northern parts of Stafford, providing music and regional community updates.

How to Listen

Stafford community stations can be accessed through multiple platforms:

  • FM Radio: Tune to 107.3 FM for Stafford FM within the town basin and immediate outskirts.
  • Online and Smart Speakers: Stafford FM, Hospital Radio Stafford, and nearby community broadcasters maintain live streams accessible via station websites, dedicated mobile apps, and voice-activated smart assistants by asking the device to play the specific station name.