Centreforce Sessions on Time 107.5 Romford - Radio

FM_Bandit · 12-06-2009, 22:57

First night of this controversial new takeover slot on Time Romford. Personally I'm liking what I'm hearing. Anyone else listening?

Having just checked the schedule on the Time website, it looks as though it's going to be on every night from 9pm, not just Friday nights or weekends.

I can see this really taking off.

EDIT: Some training on how to operate the desk might help!

krazee · 12-06-2009, 23:09

It just sounds like a pirate radio station to me. Even the web stream is distorted like a pirate. I'm only listening online by the way, I'm not quite in the reception zone, but no doubt they'll link up to an illegal "rig" on a tower block elsewhere to gain more listeners and then use the TA flag on the RDS to hijack car radios by making it think its a travel broadcast.

I don't mind licensed stations giving young talent the opportunity to get a feel of professional radio broadcasting, in theory that is a good idea, especially with the widespread Global Radio HEART take overs, but I do feel that such activity should remain on low power community stations (or purely online) rather than well established commercial stations.

Martin Phillp · 12-06-2009, 23:12

Time's website has Centreforce Sessions on Friday to Wednesday nights with David Harris on 9-12 on Thursday nights followed by automation from 12-4am into Friday morning.

FM_Bandit · 12-06-2009, 23:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Phillp

Time's website has Centreforce Sessions on Friday to Wednesday nights with David Harris on 9-12 on Thursday nights followed by automation from 12-4am into Friday morning.

So it does. Strange that Thursday is the only night left off. The frequency is remarkably clear in and around town. Attitude appear to have shifted down a notch to 107.3, with some polite persuasion I would imagine.

Very soulful housey stuff on at the moment, helping to keep it within format.

krazee · 12-06-2009, 23:26

Does anyone know if they are using the Time studios? The webstream sounds like an off tune radio to me at times which might suggest that they are either using a radio for the stream, or that they are remotely linked to the Time studios.

FM_Bandit · 12-06-2009, 23:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by krazee

Does anyone know if they are using the Time studios? The webstream sounds like an off tune radio to me at times which might suggest that they are either using a radio for the stream, or that they are remotely linked to the Time studios.

The DJ is talking about "computers everywhere and a big Tony Blackburn-style mic" - I presume they are coming from Time.

Martin Phillp · 12-06-2009, 23:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by FM_Bandit

So it does. Strange that Thursday is the only night left off. The frequency is remarkably clear in and around town. Attitude appear to have shifted down a notch to 107.3, with some polite persuasion I would imagine.

Yes, Time Romford is coming in here with stereo for the first time since South London Radio was taken off-air. I wonder why?

Quote:

Does anyone know if they are using the Time studios? The webstream sounds like an off tune radio to me at times which might suggest that they are either using a radio for the stream, or that they are remotely linked to the Time studios.

The Time 107.5 webstream has been poor quality for a while now. South London Radio's webstream was poor for a long time, I even emailed the PD at the time (before Sukhi Lit took over) and even he thought it was ok, so don't expect any improvement to it from LMC.

As far as I can tell by listening on FM, it's coming from Lambourne House in Romford, but they're using their own mobile number for listener mention instead of Time's phone and SMS service, something that Centreforce and LMC should give training in to the new DJ's to use that equipment.

krazee · 12-06-2009, 23:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by FM_Bandit

The DJ is talking about "computers everywhere and a big Tony Blackburn-style mic" - I presume they are coming from Time.

That is easy enough to say though isn't it?

They seem to be using a mobile phone as the main contact point - but I guess that is what their usual pirate listeners are used too!

I'm absolutely astounded and amazed that Ofcom gave this clearance. I wonder how much it would cost me to acquire local air time to big up all my mates? More to the point, will I need to go illegal before I'm offered a licensed radio spot? This surely sends out all the wrong messages, having said that though they clearly have a large target audience. I'll definitely keep an eye on this concept to see if it is working.

FM_Bandit · 12-06-2009, 23:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by krazee

That is easy enough to say though isn't it?

It very much sounds as though the DJs are in totally unfamiliar surroundings. If they're putting on sounding so out of their depth it's terrific acting!

krazee · 12-06-2009, 23:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by FM_Bandit

It very much sounds as though the DJs are in totally unfamiliar surroundings. If they're putting on sounding so out of their depth it's terrific acting!

Indeed yes, having listened for a while now, I can tell that they are clearly having teething problems with the mixing console and the studio microphone.

krazee · 12-06-2009, 23:59

Did they just cut themselves off? And the microphone is still live, I could here the entire team in a panic. Oops. So, yes, I guess they really are in the Time Studios.

So this is what I could hear:

Is that the preview button? Thats the tune you are playing isnt it? Play a tune.... play a tune!

Martin Phillp · 12-06-2009, 23:59

For the short period I was listening I didn't hear one 'shout' during the set. Did Time do any on-air promotion of this segment or is the deal basically, you pay for the airtime, but you do your own stuff to gain listeners?

krazee · 13-06-2009, 00:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Phillp

For the short period I was listening I didn't hear one 'shout' during the set. Did Time do any on-air promotion of this segment or is the deal basically, you pay for the airtime, but you do your own stuff to gain listeners?

Oh theres plenty of shouts going out right over the top of the music. At one time they even "bigged up" someone on MSN - but there is no mention of how to contact them by MSN - there only seems to be a mobile number, and one DJ very nearly gave out a completely different number.

I've just heard this:
"out to martin saying banging tunes"

pgfmedia · 13-06-2009, 00:09

Ok just listened because hey we all do. they really need a better quality mic as I didn't know what the guy was saying with the forced cockney voice. The music is your usual underground stuff.

It makes you think doesn't it, imagine owning a radio station and having to hire air time to these bunch of muppets.

Martin Phillp · 13-06-2009, 00:12

Both Centreforce and Time will be happy if they get any listeners for this new late night slot. Hopefully they'll find one underground dance music fan with a Rajar diary!

pgfmedia · 13-06-2009, 00:15

Quote:

Both Centreforce and Time will be happy if they get any listeners for this new late night slot. Hopefully they'll find one underground dance music fan with a Rajar diary!

All of the Time formats should of been sold on to Tindle, KM group or UKRD.

FM_Bandit · 13-06-2009, 00:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Phillp

Both Centreforce and Time will be happy if they get any listeners for this new late night slot. Hopefully they'll find one underground dance music fan with a Rajar diary!

Nah. I was asked to fill one in for the last quarter.

krazee · 13-06-2009, 00:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin Phillp

Both Centreforce and Time will be happy if they get any listeners for this new late night slot. Hopefully they'll find one underground dance music fan with a Rajar diary!

They'll be even happier if they find a fan with an ofcom diary and audio logs!

On a serious note, you only learn from live on air mistakes, so I'm guessing they might improve the output over a period of time.

I am, however, wondering if the air time is cheaper than raids, replacement equipment, transmitters, tunes and studios - oh and not to mention court cases and fines, if they are not careful they might face the latter of my long list there and pick up some fines along the way even on this legal station.

Does anyone know how are the other pirates in the area are feeling about centreforce being on Time?

--- Just noticed that they have been told to use the five digit sms number instead of the mobile number now ---

pgfmedia · 13-06-2009, 00:26

Quote:

I am, however, wondering if the air time is cheaper than raids, replacement equipment, transmitters, tunes and studios - oh and not to mention court cases and fines, if they are not careful they might face the latter of my long list there and pick up some fines along the way even on this legal station.

The funny is if you listen to most pirates nowadays their music sounds very dated and the wannabe dj's sound like their on methadone.

Martin Phillp · 13-06-2009, 00:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by krazee

--- Just noticed that they have been told to use the five digit sms number instead of the mobile number now ---

One of the DJ's must've discovered the whiteboard or sheet of paper which has the studio and SMS numbers.

I believe the SMS number is a revenue earner for Time, so they've either had Time management on the phone asking them to use their text number or are reading this thread.

krazee · 13-06-2009, 00:34

This really could be a good idea in the long run, but this really hasn't worked in their favour tonight (for both Time and Centreforce)

They are now ordering a big mac via a live shout on the air.

Martin Phillp · 13-06-2009, 00:42

Looking at the Centreforce Sessions Facebook Group they have full contact details including Time's studio number and the mobile number mentioned on-air tonight. Sales also has Time's number and a mobile number to which I presume Time and Centreforce will both look for advertisers in this slot.

pgfmedia · 13-06-2009, 00:42

Quote:

They are now ordering a big mac via a live shout on the air.

The idea of this isn't a bad one it just needs to be said by someone who understands the art of presenting, wit and irony.

Martin Phillp · 13-06-2009, 00:55

www.centreforcesessions.com now offers a WMA stream link, I tried it and it didn't work, but that might be down to my awful broadband.

paulhgc · 13-06-2009, 01:37

The web stream is terrible

lol how ironic that even pirate radio stns stream better than legal ones

12-06-2009, 22:57	#1
FM_Bandit Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SE London Services: O2 Broadband; Freeview; FM; DAB; WiFi Radio; iPhone 3G Posts: 534	Centreforce Sessions on Time 107.5 Romford First night of this controversial new takeover slot on Time Romford. Personally I'm liking what I'm hearing. Anyone else listening? Having just checked the schedule on the Time website, it looks as though it's going to be on every night from 9pm, not just Friday nights or weekends. I can see this really taking off. EDIT: Some training on how to operate the desk might help!

12-06-2009, 23:09	#2
krazee Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Southend (CP/Bluebell Hill) Services: Digital Broadcasting: Research & Development Posts: 243	It just sounds like a pirate radio station to me. Even the web stream is distorted like a pirate. I'm only listening online by the way, I'm not quite in the reception zone, but no doubt they'll link up to an illegal "rig" on a tower block elsewhere to gain more listeners and then use the TA flag on the RDS to hijack car radios by making it think its a travel broadcast. I don't mind licensed stations giving young talent the opportunity to get a feel of professional radio broadcasting, in theory that is a good idea, especially with the widespread Global Radio HEART take overs, but I do feel that such activity should remain on low power community stations (or purely online) rather than well established commercial stations.

12-06-2009, 23:12	#3
Martin Phillp Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London Services: Freeview (Sharp TU-R160H) and DAB Posts: 10,892	Time's website has Centreforce Sessions on Friday to Wednesday nights with David Harris on 9-12 on Thursday nights followed by automation from 12-4am into Friday morning.

12-06-2009, 23:26	#5
krazee Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Southend (CP/Bluebell Hill) Services: Digital Broadcasting: Research & Development Posts: 243	Does anyone know if they are using the Time studios? The webstream sounds like an off tune radio to me at times which might suggest that they are either using a radio for the stream, or that they are remotely linked to the Time studios.

12-06-2009, 23:59	#11
krazee Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Southend (CP/Bluebell Hill) Services: Digital Broadcasting: Research & Development Posts: 243	Did they just cut themselves off? And the microphone is still live, I could here the entire team in a panic. Oops. So, yes, I guess they really are in the Time Studios. So this is what I could hear: Is that the preview button? Thats the tune you are playing isnt it? Play a tune.... play a tune!

13-06-2009, 00:09	#14
pgfmedia Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 949	Ok just listened because hey we all do. they really need a better quality mic as I didn't know what the guy was saying with the forced cockney voice. The music is your usual underground stuff. It makes you think doesn't it, imagine owning a radio station and having to hire air time to these bunch of muppets.

13-06-2009, 00:12	#15
Martin Phillp Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London Services: Freeview (Sharp TU-R160H) and DAB Posts: 10,892	Both Centreforce and Time will be happy if they get any listeners for this new late night slot. Hopefully they'll find one underground dance music fan with a Rajar diary!

13-06-2009, 00:34	#21
krazee Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Southend (CP/Bluebell Hill) Services: Digital Broadcasting: Research & Development Posts: 243	This really could be a good idea in the long run, but this really hasn't worked in their favour tonight (for both Time and Centreforce) They are now ordering a big mac via a live shout on the air.

13-06-2009, 00:42	#22
Martin Phillp Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London Services: Freeview (Sharp TU-R160H) and DAB Posts: 10,892	Looking at the Centreforce Sessions Facebook Group they have full contact details including Time's studio number and the mobile number mentioned on-air tonight. Sales also has Time's number and a mobile number to which I presume Time and Centreforce will both look for advertisers in this slot.

13-06-2009, 00:55	#24
Martin Phillp Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London Services: Freeview (Sharp TU-R160H) and DAB Posts: 10,892	www.centreforcesessions.com now offers a WMA stream link, I tried it and it didn't work, but that might be down to my awful broadband.

13-06-2009, 01:37	#25
paulhgc Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 469	The web stream is terrible lol how ironic that even pirate radio stns stream better than legal ones