GTFM

BACKGROUND Gtfm was established in 1999 by the Glyntaff Tenants & Residents Association in Pontypridd, as a community project working with local radio enthusiasts ledled by founding Station Manager Andrew Jones (who remained in charge of the station until April 2007). The original broadcasts in 1999 & 2000 lasted for one month at a time under Restricted Broadcast Licences (RSL's) issued by the Radio Authority. ACCESS RADIO In 2001 Gtfm was chosen as one of 15 groups around the UK (and the only one in Wales) to take part in an initial year long Government pilot project, organised via the Radio Authority, to see if it was feasible to set up 'Access Radio' on a permanent basis. This scheme allowed Gtfm to commence full-time broadcasting for the first time from a transmitter on the ridge above Upper Boat on a 'temporary' FM frequency (106.9). This extended coverage well beyond that of the original Rhydyfelin RSL broadcasts, although parts of North East Pontypridd and communities along the Taff and lower Rhondda valleys to the north and west of the town still received a poor signal. This service was provided in close association with the University of Glamorgan which provided virtually all weekday evening output from its own local studios. The University has a strong track record in running Media courses and had first ventured into the world of "live" Radio in 1999 and 2001 by involving students, local school pupils and other young people in RSL broadcasts under station name "Fusion", winning two BBC Radio 1 awards for excellence in student radio. The Access Radio pilot period was subsequently extended to allow incoming telecoms and broadcasting regulator Ofcom to properly assess it