About Us
WCR FM is the only dedicated radio service for Wolverhampton, Bilston and Wednesfield
We are operated by Wolverhampton Community Radio Training (Registered in England and Wales 03171108) and licensed by the UK Radio regulator Ofcom.
Our mission
WCR FM is a non-profit community radio station committed to providing outstanding news, public service information and entertainment to the diverse communities of the city of Wolverhampton, its environs and the people who live and work there.
It provides high quality opportunities for the training and emergence of new broadcasting talent, and offers existing professionals and volunteers the chance to both maintain and develop their skills. WCR is committed to engaging with and reflecting the perspectives of individuals and communities that represent the fullest possible range of people in Wolverhampton.
Our training
We are a not-for-profit social enterprise that is sustained by over 10,000 voluntary hours per year and is regulated by OFCOM. Many of our volunteers go on to develop careers in various aspects of the media.
Volunteer roles at WCR provide students and trainees with a chance to learn professional-level skills in all areas of audio-media production. They can learn to make documentaries and features, mix live music, produce and present programmes and much more. They can find out how the record industry works with radio stations and can develop interview skills. Learning these things as a volunteer helps to develop the best skill of all – a sense of inner motivation and discipline and confidence in a working environment.
As well as constantly striving to both improve our output and increase our involvement in the local community, we are interested in extending our local news service. These are just as vital as presenting radio shows. If you’re interested, please do get in touch.
Our history
Over the years we’ve provided specialised training in radio broadcast skills and run a number of radio services. We were established as the Wolverhampton Community Radio Association (WCRA) back in 1986, and WCR FM since 1996. We’ve broadcast as “Challenge FM”, “Forge FM”, “One City FM”, “Wolverhampton Campus Radio” and currently “101.8 WCR FM”.
Since 1986, WCR’s chief goal has been to bring quality and diversity to the radio medium: from providing training in basic radio skills, to giving local people access to radio. Every year dozens of local organisations of all types use WCR to spread information.
WCR FM has established extensive links with the community, representing a wide variety of social groups, all of which are frequently represented and highlighted on air. Differing from the majority of news-based programming on radio, 101.8 WCR FM always places a positive emphasis on events and activities: highlighting good news stories, and informing the listener of how a project, scheme or activity will benefit the community.