The rise and rise of Moray Firth Radio
Moray Firth Radio turns 40 this week, a milestone that might not mean much outside the north of Scotland. But for those from the area that it serves (myself and the editor of this magazine among them), it’s quite a moment. MFR is a case study not just in successful British media innovation but how independent radio serves and even create communities. A project said to be too niche to succeed went on to become one of the most successful local radio stations in the UK. Therein lies a story. It’s a story that I was lucky enough to have a ringside seat to watch. MFR was started by passionate amateurs without any money or experience who needed all the volunteer help they could get — including from the nine-year-old me. At first, I was an office gofer.
