Community radio station CRFM is celebrating a listener milestone.
Latest data shows that 44,000 people are listening to the station every 13 weeks.
The figures for April 1 to April 30 from REVMA Listener Analytics also showed that listeners spent more than 3.18 million hours with CRFM in just one month, with the station now generating almost 800,000 average monthly listening hours.
Broadcasting on 102.7 FM in Carlisle, online, the CRFM app and smart speakers, the community radio station began broadcasting on April 15 2024.
CRFM broadcasts from the John Myers Studios at Carlisle Enterprise Centre, James Street, Carlisle and its Workington studios at St Helens Business Park, which opened in 2025.
The station is also preparing to further expand its reach, with an FM transmitter for West Cumbria soon set to bring CRFM to even more listeners.
CRFM managing director Darrell Thomas said: “Community radio is about far more than playing music. These figures show that people are choosing CRFM because they feel connected to it.
“It is a testament to our presenters, volunteers, supporters and, most importantly, our listeners.
“We are especially proud of the impact CRFM is having beyond broadcasting. We have seen volunteers grow in confidence, develop new skills, move into employment and even secure opportunities with the BBC. That is what community radio should be about; real listeners, real impact and real connections.”
CRFM’s presenters include Val Armstrong, Joe Costin and Paul Braithwaite, Simon Williams, Andy Wood, Bekah Fowler, Matt Peters and Paul Johnston.
The station said its expansion into West Cumbria marked another important step in its mission to reach rural communities where local radio reception could be limited or inconsistent.
