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| Broadcast area | Bedfordshire |
| Programming | |
| Language | English |
| Affiliations | University of Bedfordshire |
| History | |
First air date | May 1997 (1997-05) |
Former names | Luton FM (1997-2010) |
| Links | |
| Webcast | https://radio.canstream.co.uk:9043/live.mp3 |
| Website | radiolab |
Radio LaB 97.1FM, formerlyLuton FM, is a student radio station, managed, produced and presented by students at the Luton town centre campus of theUniversity of Bedfordshire inLuton,Bedfordshire (formerly known as the University of Luton). Radio LaB stands for Radio Luton and Bedfordshire. It is now a full-time radio station with a community licence.
Radio LaB started its initial broadcast in May 1997.[1][2] It was founded by Janey Gordon.[3]
When the station started, it was called Luton FM. Each year throughout May, the station broadcasts on 87.9FM from a transmitter inFarley Hill, Luton. The studio and production area were based in the School of Media, Art and Design within the Luton campus of the University of Bedfordshire. Luton FM also broadcasts on the internet from the station's website.[citation needed]
In 2001, the station was broadcast online for the first time, and started the careers of many radio professionals of today.[citation needed]
The Luton FM website in 2003 became a major tool in promoting the station as it was the second year that the station was streamed online for the duration of its 28-dayRestricted Service Licence (RSL). In September 2004, Luton FM broadcast online for the first time outside its usual May remit.[citation needed]
In 2008, Luton FM changed its name and relaunched LaB Radio (Luton and Bedfordshire Radio), incorporating Luton and Bedfordshire. In 2009, the station changed its name to Radio LaB and underwent a major rebranding. Due to the station's success this year, 2009 was the last year of the station's twelve-year stretch as anRSL station, asOfcom awarded the station a five-year full-time community licence starting in January 2010.[citation needed]
In 2010, the station name was changed to Radio LaB, and it broadcast on the internet. Since then, the station has held a community licence and broadcasts to Luton and across Bedfordshire. In 2011, after the new Campus Centre was completed, the studio was moved to a new studio in the Student Centre at the Luton campus of the University of Bedfordshire. Radio LaB now broadcasts from here 24/7.[citation needed]
In October 2014, Ofcom granted Radio LaB a five-year community radio licence extension, allowing the station to continue to broadcast on 97.1FM until April 2020. In March 2020, this was further extended by Ofcom until April 2025.[citation needed]
In September 2023, the station applied for thesmall-scale DAB licence to broadcast in Luton.[4] Ofcom awarded the licence in June 2024.[5]
Final-year students manage the station, and their final university grade is based on their performance in organising, promoting, and running Radio LaB. However, the final responsibility for running the station rests with Radio LaB Coordinator Terry Lee, who is the overall licensee for Radio LaB.[citation needed]
Past Luton FM managers/presenters include:
Radio LaB wonCommunity Radio Awards in 2017, 2019, and 2020 (twice).[7][8]
51°52′40″N0°24′41″W / 51.87777°N 0.41138°W /51.87777; -0.41138
