Public File

Radio in the UK is regulated by law, by the Office for Communications (Ofcom), and we are committed to ensuring total compliance with the requirements of our licence. This file contains information about the provision of licensed services, in accordance with guidelines as drawn up and, from time to time, revised by Ofcom.

Colne Radio, like every licenced station in the UK, has programming obligations and requirements, including its music and local content. These obligations are set out in the station format which forms part of our Public File.

Colne Radio is accountable to its community through open communication channels, volunteer involvement, and regular engagement with local organisations. Feedback is welcomed and reviewed by the station management team

The Programme Schedule

To see a copy of the latest programme schedule Click Here

Our playlist is pre-scheduled weekly, Generally, we aim to be live, but there are times when some shows may be recorded or voice tracked.

The station broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to Wivenhoe, Colchester and surrounding areas of north eastern Essex, near the River Colne. It gives a voice to the different communities in the area, encouraging local participation and promoting community cohesion. It covers local events and issues, giving people in local villages and towns the opportunity to hear and share news and views about their communities.

Ownership

Colne Radio is wholly owned by Colne Radio CIC. We broadcast using a Community Radio licence from the regulator OFCOM. Licence number: CR100776

Colne Radio is a volunteer‑driven station, and we actively encourage people from Wivenhoe, Colchester and the surrounding areas to get involved. There are opportunities to take part in presenting, programme production, technical operations, community reporting, and event support. No previous radio experience is required — we provide guidance and training to help new volunteers develop skills and contribute confidently to the station’s output.

Anyone interested in joining the team or finding out more about volunteering can contact us at studio@colneradio.net

Key Commitments

Colne Radio is for the people of Wivenhoe and surrounding areas of north eastern
Essex, near the River Colne. It gives a voice to the different communities in the area,
encouraging local participation and promoting community cohesion. It covers local
events and issues, giving people in local villages and towns the opportunity to hear
and share news and views about their communities.

The studio is located within the licensed coverage area.

The service provides a range of community benefits (social gain objectives mandated
by statute) for the target community, both on-air and off-air, and in doing so, achieves
the following objectives:

• the facilitation of discussion and the expression of opinion,
• the provision (whether by means of programmes included in the service or
otherwise) of education or training to individuals not employed by the person
providing the service, and
• the better understanding of the particular community and the strengthening of links within it.
Members of the target community contribute to the operation and management of the service.

Click here to find out more about our Finding You Voice Project. Read our impact report here

News

Local and national news is produced within the station and aired daily between 7am and 6pm. Local weather updates are broadcast during the weekday breakfast show from 7am to 9am, and again on weekday drive‑time between 4pm and 6pm.

News Bulletins
Below are details of how often we broadcast news bulletins and whether they are local, national or international news.

Monday to Friday

Local, National and World News

0700, 0800, 0900, 1100, 1200, 1400, 1600, 1700

Saturday

Local, National and World News

0800, 0900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1400, 1600, 1700

Sunday

Local, National and World News

0800, 0900, 1000, 1200, 1500, 1600

Music Playlist

Our music policy focuses on keeping the sound upbeat, familiar, and instantly recognisable. Across the week we play the greatest hits from the 1960s right through to today’s chart‑toppers.

On Sundays, between 6am and 6pm, the music takes a different direction. We feature a blend of classical pieces through to favourites from the 1980s. This programming is carefully chosen to support listeners living with dementia, helping to spark memories and create moments of comfort through well‑loved music.

Events / Charity Support and Coverage

Colne Radio is proud to support local charities and community organisations, and we’re always keen to hear from new groups. We actively promote and attend local events, providing on‑site support, outside broadcasts, and social media coverage to help amplify what’s happening in our community.

The Format

The format is the regulation document Ofcom issue. You can read or download it from Ofcom at: https://static.ofcom.org.uk/static/radiolicensing/html/radio-stations/community/cr100776ba2colneradio.htm

Contact Us

Colne Radio

Unit 40 Wivenhoe Business Centre

Brook Street

Wivenhoe,

Essex, CO7 9DP

Phone: 01206 617877

Email: studio@colneradio.net

Complaints

If you have any complaints or feedback about any aspect of our service, please email studio@colneradio.net or contact Colne Radio using the details above. We aim to acknowledge your message within 48 hours and will provide a full response within 10 working days.

If you are not satisfied with the response you can contact Ofcom (the industry regulator) on 020 7981 3040 or via their website; www.ofcom.org.uk