Chaine FM plays its last request

Larne Community Media, operator of radio station Chaine FM, has announced it is winding up due to “resourcing and viability issues”.

Earlier this year, LCM announced that funding difficulties had forced it to abandon plans for a full-time station covering the wider Larne area.

The company had hoped to explore other opportunities for the future of the station, including running an online service.

But this week, it was confirmed that those efforts had proven to be unsuccessful.

Gary Andrews, LCM’s station director, told the Times: “It’s rather sad that we have been unable to find a way forward, but unfortunately some things just reach the end of the road and you have to do the right thing and pull the plug.”

LCM took over the activities of Chaine Music in 2011, due to the station needing to become a limited company to apply for a radio licence.

Chaine Music was created in 2006 and its origins lay in Radio Moyle, which was originally started in the 1980s to provide a radio service to the Moyle Hospital.

The directors of LCM have decided that the remaining funds, along with liquidated assets, will be used for a range of community projects in Larne. Gary said the community ethos of Chaine FM would continue, adding: “LCM, Chaine Music and Radio Moyle can be proud of serving the Larne community excellently for around 30 years.

“With our remaining funds going to support community activities, hopefully we can leave a further legacy.”

To mark the end of LCM, the company will be holding a special reunion event in early December.

Everyone previously involved with Chaine FM, Chaine Music or Radio Moyle is invited.

Those people who have not yet received an invite should contact Gary Andrews on 07740 433590 or [email protected] for full details.