A full evaluation of our May 2006 brodacast has now been carried out. We used street questionnaires, web and postal questionnaires, phone log and web feedback forms for our data. Much of the data collection and analysis was done by Snap Surveys of Thornbury.
Our results tentatively suggest that 50-60% of the potential audience listened at least once. This is much improved from last time. Approximately 25% of listeners were listening daily or weekly, which is a significant improvement on last time.
It seems that many people heard of TFM through the Gazette, and by word of mouth, which suggests that our name is spreading. It may also reflect that we broadcasted for four weeks.
Early mornings and early-mid evenings were the most popular times. This is to be expected, because this is when people were at home or in their cars going to work. Most of our listeners listen at home.
The balance of feedback was overwhelmingly positive. In general listeners felt that once again the balance of programmes was about right, they liked the local content, and felt that quality of presentation had improved.
These comments provide a flavour of the comments we received:
"It was such a huge improvement on last time's broadcast. The presenters were so much more confident and well prepared. What great fun the 8-10 p.m. teenage slot was. It was inspirational listening to them and so many of our kids (40-50 age range) said they'd really enjoyed the younger programmes, because of their humour, honesty and choice of music."
"Nice to have our own radio, puts community together."
P"Fantastic 4 weeks. Will miss you all next week"Of course there were negative comments too. Not everyone can be pleased. As happened in November 2005 for our inaugural broadcast, some listeners wanted more of certain types of programme and less of others. Older people tended to like older presenters and older music, and vice-versa for younger people.
Some commentators noted holes in our programme schedule , such as literature, certain types of music, and sports. Adverts remain a contentious issue, as a number of people still find them somewhat troubling. Our listener figures suggest that there are still some groups, for instance men between 30-50, who we do better at reaching.
Overall, though, we feel that we are achieving most of our goals and producing entertaining and informative local community radio.