Oban FM SOS gets response

The community radio station has received a positive response so far to an SOS message, asking for support from the business community and from listeners to secure its future.

Chairperson of the station’s board Campbell Cameron told The Oban Times that without urgent help, Oban FM could have just one month left on air. Those owed money include the station’s landlord The Rockfield Centre.

The station’s dire situation was covered in a hard-hitting crisis report that contained a number of recommendations on how Oban FM could either try to move forward with a re-jigged business plan and bringing in new directors among suggestions - or look at liquidation.

This week Mr Campbell said he had received interest from a number of business people in the area. The online Gofund me appeal was also "ticking over," he said, with a steady flow of donations from £5 up to an anonymous donation of £500.

"We are remaining optimistic. The appeal is ticking over but we need to keep it moving. It’s our cash flow for now. I don’t think Oban will let us down when push comes to shove," he added.

Oban FM’s trustees have a meeting next month with the Oban Common Good Fund who are considering an emergency request from the station for £10,000 and have asked for more information before making a decision, including seeing consolidated accounts, said Mr Cameron.

"It would be great if by June 10 when we meet them we could say we had match-funding," he added.

One of Oban FM’s plans, if it can safeguard its future, would be to develop an app and for the station to expand into podcasts, training up volunteers, looking at contemporary and historical Oban, as well as big events in the town’s calendar year, from the Mod to Charities Day to Shinty. 

Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/oban-fm-needs-your-help-and-donations