Xpression FM: The Evolution of University Radio Exeter
From its humble beginnings under a staircase to becoming an award-winning broadcaster, the journey of University Radio Exeter (URE) reflects the growth of student media. What started as a low-power experiment by post-graduate students has evolved into a professional-grade station known today as Xpression FM.
The Early Days of URE
Founded in 1976, University Radio Exeter began its life in a modest space under the stairs of Devonshire House on the University of Exeter campus. In its infancy, the station operated on low-power AM, broadcasting from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. To fill the gaps in programming, the station used BBC Radio 1 as a sustaining service—a secondary feed used to keep the station on air when local content was unavailable.
The technical challenges of the 1970s were significant. The station initially used induction loop aerials to reach students in the halls of residence. The original setup involved running a coaxial cable—a shielded cable used to carry radio frequency (RF) signals—just below ground level from Devonshire House to the Lafrowda halls. While this reached approximately 500 people, the arrangement lasted only six months before the cable was destroyed by gardeners' spades. This led to a strategic shift: transmitters were moved to the halls of residence, and the studio feed was routed through cables leased from British Telecom.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Transition to FM and Rebranding
The late 1990s brought a pivotal change in broadcasting regulations. Due to its remote location, URE was granted permission to utilize a low-power FM system. This transition was further supported by the station joining the Student Broadcast Network (SBN), which provided the necessary funding for the conversion.
At the start of 2001, the station underwent a complete rebranding. The old "URE 963" identity was retired and replaced by the modern logo and name: Xpression FM 87.7. By early 2009, the station achieved a major milestone by ending its reliance on XFM as an overnight sustaining service, moving to a full 24-hour broadcast schedule originating directly from the Exeter studio.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Award-Winning Success
Xpression FM's commitment to quality programming earned it national recognition at the Student Radio Awards. The station secured its first gold award in 2011 for Best Student Radio Chart Show, a feat it successfully repeated by winning gold in the same category in 2012.
Organizational Growth and Committee Structure
As the station's content and reach expanded, its leadership structure evolved to meet new demands. Over the last decade, several specialized roles were introduced to manage the diversifying output:
- 2009/2010: The Head of Scripted Programming was created to manage non-music content.
- 2011/2012: A Head of Sport was appointed to oversee growing sports coverage, and a second Head of Marketing was added.
- 2012/2013: The Deputy Station Manager role was introduced to handle administration and finances, replacing both the Studio Administrator and the Programmes Controller.
- 2019/2020: The second marketing role briefly became the Head of Social Media before returning to a dual co-marketing format.
- 2020/2021: The roles of Head of Technology and Head of Training were merged into a single Head of Tech and Training position.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1976 at Devonshire House, University of Exeter.
- Original Format: Low-power AM broadcasting from 5 pm to 10 pm.
- Rebrand: Renamed Xpression FM 87.7 in 2001.
- Milestone: Transitioned to 24-hour local broadcasting in 2009.
- Achievements: Won gold for Best Student Radio Chart Show in both 2011 and 2012.
| Era/Year | Key Development | Technical/Structural Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Foundation | Low-power AM via induction loops |
| Late 1990s | FM Transition | Joined Student Broadcast Network (SBN) |
| 2001 | Rebranding | Became Xpression FM 87.7 |
| 2009 | Full Autonomy | Started 24-hour local broadcasting |
| 2011-2012 | Peak Recognition | Back-to-back Gold Student Radio Awards |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was University Radio Exeter founded?
The station was founded in 1976, originally operating from a space under the stairs at Devonshire House on the University of Exeter campus.
Why did the station change its name to Xpression FM?
The rebranding occurred at the start of 2001, coinciding with the station's transition to a low-power FM system (87.7 MHz) made possible by joining the Student Broadcast Network.
What awards has Xpression FM won?
Xpression FM won gold awards for the Best Student Radio Chart Show at the Student Radio Awards in both 2011 and 2012.
How did the station handle broadcasting in its early years?
Initially, it used low-power AM and induction loop aerials. After a coaxial cable was damaged by gardening tools, the station moved its transmitters to the halls of residence and leased cables from British Telecom.
Does the station still use a sustaining service?
While it previously used BBC Radio 1 and XFM to fill airtime, Xpression FM has broadcast 24 hours a day from its own Exeter studio since early 2009.