University of Bristol Union
Encyclopedia
BURST or Bristol University Radio Station is a student-run radio station
, based in the University of Bristol
broadcast online from the university's student union
building, and occasionally via FM
with a Restricted Service Licence
. The station also holds an AM
licence, and plans to begin broadcasting on the frequency in the near future. The station also broadcasts on DAB digital radio.
BURST was born out of Fresh FM, a station run jointly by students from Bristol University and the University of the West of England (UWE)
in 1995.
After Fresh FM ceased to exist, BURST FM was conceived by Bristol University students in 1997. When sufficient funds had been raised, a one month licence to broadcast on 106.6 FM was awarded for March 1998. Housed in St Paul's Church in Clifton
.
However, the unavailability of further FM licences due to the launch of a new full time station (The Eagle, now renamed Star) prevented further broadcasts.
In early 2000 speakers were installed within the Union building, and broadcasts mounted for during Fresh (Bristol University's freshers' week) 2000. At the same time, a grant from the Alumni foundation allowed BURST to stream programming onto the internet around campus
.
An application was made for a further FM licence for Autumn 2000, the subsequent award of this meant that BURST was back on 106.6 FM. An application was made for another one-month licence in Summer 2001. This licence was also awarded, as well as a subsequent one in November 2001.
Notable former broadcasters include the comedian Marcus Brigstocke
, Classic FM
's Nicola Bonn and GWR Bristol breakfast host Paris Troy
.
Radio station
Radio broadcasting is a one-way wireless transmission over radio waves intended to reach a wide audience. Stations can be linked in radio networks to broadcast a common radio format, either in broadcast syndication or simulcast or both...
, based in the University of Bristol
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is a public research university located in Bristol, United Kingdom. One of the so-called "red brick" universities, it received its Royal Charter in 1909, although its predecessor institution, University College, Bristol, had been in existence since 1876.The University is...
broadcast online from the university's student union
Students' union
A students' union, student government, student senate, students' association, guild of students or government of student body is a student organization present in many colleges and universities, and has started appearing in some high schools...
building, and occasionally via FM
FM broadcasting
FM broadcasting is a broadcasting technology pioneered by Edwin Howard Armstrong which uses frequency modulation to provide high-fidelity sound over broadcast radio. The term "FM band" describes the "frequency band in which FM is used for broadcasting"...
with a Restricted Service Licence
Restricted Service Licence
A UK Restricted Service Licence , is typically granted to radio stations and television stations broadcasting within the UK to serve a local community or a special event...
. The station also holds an AM
AM broadcasting
AM broadcasting is the process of radio broadcasting using amplitude modulation. AM was the first method of impressing sound on a radio signal and is still widely used today. Commercial and public AM broadcasting is carried out in the medium wave band world wide, and on long wave and short wave...
licence, and plans to begin broadcasting on the frequency in the near future. The station also broadcasts on DAB digital radio.
BURST was born out of Fresh FM, a station run jointly by students from Bristol University and the University of the West of England (UWE)
University of the West of England
The University of the West of England is a university based in the English city of Bristol. Its main campus is at Frenchay, about five miles north of the city centre...
in 1995.
After Fresh FM ceased to exist, BURST FM was conceived by Bristol University students in 1997. When sufficient funds had been raised, a one month licence to broadcast on 106.6 FM was awarded for March 1998. Housed in St Paul's Church in Clifton
Clifton, Bristol
Clifton is a suburb of the City of Bristol in England, and the name of both one of the city's thirty-five council wards. The Clifton ward also includes the areas of Cliftonwood and Hotwells...
.
However, the unavailability of further FM licences due to the launch of a new full time station (The Eagle, now renamed Star) prevented further broadcasts.
In early 2000 speakers were installed within the Union building, and broadcasts mounted for during Fresh (Bristol University's freshers' week) 2000. At the same time, a grant from the Alumni foundation allowed BURST to stream programming onto the internet around campus
Campus
A campus is traditionally the land on which a college or university and related institutional buildings are situated. Usually a campus includes libraries, lecture halls, residence halls and park-like settings...
.
An application was made for a further FM licence for Autumn 2000, the subsequent award of this meant that BURST was back on 106.6 FM. An application was made for another one-month licence in Summer 2001. This licence was also awarded, as well as a subsequent one in November 2001.
Notable former broadcasters include the comedian Marcus Brigstocke
Marcus Brigstocke
Marcus Alexander Brigstocke is an English comedian, actor and satirist who has worked extensively in stand-up comedy, television, radio and in 2010-2011 musical theatre. He is particularly associated with the 6.30pm comedy slot on BBC Radio 4, having frequently appeared on several of its shows...
, Classic FM
Classic FM (UK)
Classic FM, one of the United Kingdom's three Independent National Radio stations, broadcasts classical music in a popular and accessible style.-Overview:...
's Nicola Bonn and GWR Bristol breakfast host Paris Troy
The Bush and Troy Show
The Bush and Troy Show ' is the breakfast show for Heart West Country in Bristol, England, running weekdays from 6:00am-9:00am .-Team:Andy Bush - Presenter...
.
Bristol Student Community Action
Bristol Student Community Action (SCA) has over 1000 members volunteering with over 30 student run projects in the local community. Projects involve helping disadvantaged children, helping out in schools, helping elderly people, the homeless, people with disabilities, refugees, environmental projects and various other community support services. SCA also runs a number of events throughout the year including SCA Week, the Kids Christmas Party, the Elderly Dinner Dance and the SCA Sleepout.Criticism
The Union has been criticised for its distance from the main university precinct and large halls of residence campus in Stoke Bishop. A report of the Student Union's accounts in October 2007 revealed that the organisation is facing a cost deficit of over £70,000. This has been largely attributed to the ailing Union shop which has now been shut down pending a review of the service.See also
- National Union of Students of the United Kingdom