Station of the Week: Mearns FM

This weeks Station of the Week is Mearns FM, a locally focused community station broadcasting to North East Scotland, with a mixed format.

Using 3 FM frequencies, Mearns FM predominantly serves the Stonehaven area, but has recently joined the Aberdeen local DAB multiplex. This allows listeners from across mot of North East Scotland to access the service.

The use of DAB is perhaps now the stations strongest features, providing an alternative to the highly networked Northsound 1, and a complimentary service to local commercial station Original 106.

Few community stations broadcast on DAB, although another NE Scotland community station Waves Radio (licensed as a commercial station) is an example that already does so. Mearns FM should be commended for doing so.

As yet, there is no page for Mearns FM on the Station Guide, so for frequencies and coverage area, see the Station Directory.

Mearns FM

Mearns FM, the locally focused community station for South Aberdeenshire has joined the Aberdeen local DAB multiplex, extending coverage to most of Aberdeenshire.

The station first launched in 1993 as Stonehaven Community Radio, and became full time 11 years ago. The station is available in Laurencekirk on 105.7 FM, Inverbervie on 106.2 FM, and Stonehaven on 107.3 FM.

The bit rate is not yet confirmed, but the station appears to be using normal DAB, which means all DAB radios should receive the station when within the coverage area.