Fuse FM is run entirely by volunteers studying at the university, led by an elected Station Manager and Deputy Station Manager. In addition to broadcasting online, Fuse FM provide a platform for local DJs and bands. The station is a member of The Student Radio Association.[2]
Currently, the station managers are William Clark-Steel and Isabelle Hatton-Williams.[3]
History
The Student Union Executive accepted a proposal to create the station in July 2000 and work began on creating a base for the station, which was originally called Mint FM. The name was changed to Fuse FM in October 2000. Space in the Union basement was converted into a fully functioning broadcast studio and production suite. Fuse FM went on air for the first time on 15 February 2001 at 06:00, broadcasting on 106.2 FM as well as via internet streaming.[4]
Alex James Atkinson was elected as the first Station Manager for the station. Atkinson is now a presenter on the Sony Award nominated show In:Demand, which is broadcast from Hits Radio.[5]
On Monday 9 November 2009, Fuse FM welcomed comedian Jack Whitehall as a one-off presenter.[7] He was welcomed back once again on Wednesday 10 March 2010, taking the place of the station's regular premier show Craig & Jake's Afternoon Delight.
From 2003 to 2011, Fuse FM was broadcast for four weeks in each academic semester (September to October and February to March). However, since September 2011, the station has moved to broadcasting throughout the academic year, from September to June. The station also dispensed with FM broadcasting, with only online streaming via the website now available.[8]
On 29 April 2012, Fuse FM began broadcasting from new state of the art studios on the first floor of the Steve Biko building. With support from the BBC, the Your Manchester Fund and the University of Manchester Students' Union, Fuse FM now has some of the best student radio facilities in the country, including two sets of Studer OnAir 1500 digital sound desks.
On 26 April 2013, Fuse took part in the first ever Manchester Student Media Awards, which was organised by Station Manager Joe Kearney, taking place in Academy 2 in the Students' Union. Also awarded were the University's student paper, The Mancunion, and the student TV station, Fuse TV.[9] The evening was hosted by Adam Brown, host of weekend breakfast on Capital FM Manchester.[10] After all the awards were presented, there was a sound clash featuring DJs from both Fuse FM and The Hits Radio.
Commencing on 11 October 2016, 'Fuse Live' was introduced by Sophie Nebesniak, Ciaran Algar, Liam Armstrong, Temur Ahmed and Robin Loo. The first event at Academy 3 featured various acts, and a second one on 6 December 2016 included different performers. The third 'Fuse Live' on 16 March 2017, at Fallow Cafe in Fallowfield, sold out before headliners Howl performed, showcasing diverse artists.
In June 2023, Fuse FM worked alongside Manchester Media Group and the University of Manchester Students' Union to create Alive Festival, spotlighting local artists and DJs. This returned for a second iteration in October 2023, selling out at 1000 ticket sales.[11]
The station was rebranded in 2023 with a new logo and website.
Structure
Fuse FM broadcast daily from 9am to 10pm during term time, presenting a mix of music, DJ, talk, sport, and news shows. Currently, there are a total of 153 members of Fuse FM.
Awards
Fuse FM has a history of high quality student broadcasting, with its DJs having won many awards at the National Student Radio Awards. In 2023, Honor Mant, Head of Talk Shows, won Best Entertainment Programming at the annual Student Radio Awards in London. Fuse FM was won silver for Best Branding.
