Page 31 - IOE_Winter 24

“There are also many more helpers “Tune in to hear what Flame CCR (Christian and
(volunteers), though we welcome more.
Although we have listeners across the globe,
the programming aims to carry a Merseyside
flavour.”
Explaining what he means by ‘Merseyside flavour’
Norman continued:
“We realise that Merseyside has a musical
tradition plus many poets and authors, all in
the secular scene, so we keep that flavour and
add Christian music, the Christian message
and chat from local people (local is important,
Northwest is the area).
“The Merseyside flavour is also relevant
because there are many Scousers across
the world and in other parts of the UK. And
Parchment in 1974 recorded in Liverpool their
song ‘Light up the fire and let the flame burn’. To
us, Flame CCR is that fire!”
David Higham, the station’s programme controller,
added:
“Flame CCR also brings a much-needed
Christian flavour to the airwaves with a
scheduled round-the-clock programme of
music, message and chat.
“It brings a Christian voice into a media which
tends to sideline Christianity, and a Christian
light into an increasingly dark world. Radio is a
background in people’s lives and Flame is there
24/7 at the touch of a button.
31
Community Radio) has to offer. It is one of only
a handful of Christian stations broadcasting
in the UK. Liverpool DAB operates on a DAB+
transmitter. Most recently-bought DAB radios
are able to receive DAB+.
“Look for the Digital Radio Tick Mark on the radio
or on its packaging.”
Flame CCR already has an established track
record on the internet and medium wave, as well
as previous short-term operations on FM in Wirral
and a DAB trial in Manchester. Its history stretches
back to the start of the millennium with a one-
month broadcasting opportunity on FM from
Birkenhead.
On December 5, Flame CCR was added to the
line-up on the recently launched Liverpool DAB+
service. Liverpool DAB is one of the new small-
scale DAB+ services being launched across the
country and provides Liverpool as well as many
parts of Wirral with a range of new and interesting
radio stations and increased listener choice. DAB+
delivers crystal clear audio for music and speech.
Daytime programmes on Flame CCR are mainly
introduced music of all genres though with a
leaning towards Christian music (including local
music).
Evening programmes include ‘cutting-edge’
debate and people’s Christian stories as well as
the Christian message. Sunday programmes
major on Christian praise and worship, with some
Bible teaching.
Flame CCR operates as a non-denominational
Christian charity, staffed by volunteers, and is
listener-funded, together with some grants and
other gifts. Overall running costs equate to less
than £5 an hour, but on the bigger scale of 24/7
broadcasting 365 days a year, that means annual
costs in the region of £40,000.
Some team members have moved on over the
years to other roles. For example, one joined Heart
Radio, another went to BBC Radio Manchester, and
a third to a Baptist ministerial training college and
is now a Baptist pastor.
To find out more about the Flame team, and how
you can get involved, contact station manager
Norman Polden at flameccr@gmail.com. You can
also visit their website
www.flameradio.org