REPORT TO SPONSORS, December 2007

Rocket FM had its longest-ever run this year, from 13 October to 6 November. We started with an internet-only segment and the local FM broadcast joined in on 18 October.

The established format was followed: community issues were aired, with many local guests invited onto the breakfast show; local musicians were given a platform, both on CD and many playing live in the studio. The Bonfire season was covered extensively.

Rocket has no statistics on listenership, but feedback from the audience, in terms of phone calls, texts (SMS) and emails, was up on the previous year. Visitors to the Rocket Website were 25% up on '06 (and, incidentally, six times the level of the first year!). There were some lovely messages in the website guestbook.

The access statistics for the website are here.

We also had a record total of advertisers.

There were a number of 'firsts' in '07:

• an internet-only broadcast (13-18 October)
• webcams
• internet access from the presenter's desk
• recording of all programmes
• hence: repeat of the 'Bonfire Special' on Nov 6th
• and a second outside broadcast

With all the support and generosity we received from advertisers, sponsors and donors, we were able to further our policy of 'continuous improvement' and spend around £700 on kit, which showed in a better studio layout and in the quality of the FM signal.

Our Bonfire Report with photographs from the 5th is now on the web site.

With seasonal greetings and best wishes for 2008,

Andy Thomas, Chairman, E.S.R.S.