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How Radio Bailrigg began...

> From the Bailrigg FM website, circa 2000
Posted: 4th October 2005

This article has been floating around on the Bailrigg FM website for several years as the definitive history of the beginnings of student radio at Lancaster University, but it is very incomplete.

> Inspiration Radio York

In 1968, students at York University received Ministry of Posts approval to test transmit programmes on medium wave to its campus. This inspired two Physics students at Lancaster to try a similar project, and negotiations were started with the University administration. However, the project was considerably put back when one rather over-eager member of the University started his own 'pirate' radio station, calling it firstly 'Radio 220', and later 'Radio Rag'. The Post Office eventually persuaded this to close down, and the job began of trying to persuade the University administration that the proposed 'Radio Bailrigg' was in no way connected with the 'pirate'. In 1969, the University gave permission, in principle, for the URB to proceed. In the summer, a small loop aerial was installed, and a low power transmitter was built, to test the project's feasibility. Result: Feasible, but with many problems

> Finding £1000

One of these problems was financing the project. Over the next couple of years URB applied for four separate grants from various University funds, including the Students' Union (SRC), the University Administration and a £1000 grant that the American Colleges donate annually. Whilst twice coming close to securing the funds required they missed out on all four occasions, but did managed to persuade the University to provide URB with office space. Eventually it was discovered that one of the projects which originally received a £1000 grant would actually cost closer to £30,000 and so it was abandoned. URB, with the support of the Union, secured the released money, although it was realised that this would not be enough to provide a full service.

> Transmissions and Licences

In January 1971, the aerial system was installed, and studio equipment and a converted transmitter obtained. Test transmissions commenced in March, which led to numerous technical problems. Further equipment was purchased, and after further problems, URB was putting out regular test transmissions until November 1972, when a letter arrived from the Government, ordering URB off the air for not having obtained a full licence. No licences were available for such an aerial and transmitter system and so a new transmitter had to be specially commissioned, and a new aerial system installed. In November 1973, URB received a full licence from the Government, and returned to the air with full programmes.

> New Studios

Until this point URB had been broadcasting from a temporary studio, but in January 1974 specially commissioned twin studios were completed. However, finance soon became a problem again and the SRC was unable to help in purchasing equipment for the new studios. URB was unsuccessful at two further referenda for £1000 grants, but in June 1974, URB again applied for funds, sensing a very prosperous Union, and secured another £1000. At this point the University also realised the educational potential of a radio station on campus, with the Media Services Unit offering its resources in preparing a series of complete language courses for listeners, using the facilities of URB.

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