University Radio York (URY) was founded in 1968, and was the first legal independent radio station in the United Kingdom.
As a student society open to all at the University of York, the station took part in Ofcom’s one-year trial of limited coverage FM broadcasting last year.
After being the only student radio station to take part in the trial, URY has been awarded a license to broadcast on 88.3FM to the University of York for the next five years, until 31 August 2027. This is an achievement that will impact generations of students at York.
FM, which stands for frequency modulation, refers to radio transmission which has a larger signal-to-noise ratio, higher frequency range, and a greater bandwidth than AM signal. A higher frequency range keeps signal strength stable.
Station manager, William King, spoke of the achievement:
“Getting URY onto FM was a real milestone in the station’s history. Now, being able to reach the University of York community on FM for the next five years is fantastic for our members and listeners alike.
“This shows that even in its 54th year, URY continues to develop. Thank you to everybody who’s helped us draft applications, the University’s Students’ Union, YUSU, and Ofcom for their cooperation.”
URY broadcasts to the University of York Campus on 1350AM during term time, on 88.3FM and online at ury.org.uk.