The Lamp of Lothian is delighted to support East Coast FM

The Lamp of Lothian is delighted to support East Coast FM (ECFM) by sponsoring its regular Community News feature. This support has enabled the award-winning station to continue to develop its broadcasting, which began over 13 years ago. 

ECFM is a highly regarded source of entertainment and information promoting citizenship and community cohesion. Its philosophy is ‘by the community for the community’.

Currently there are approximately 30 regular volunteer presenters who provide a wide-ranging output for varied musical audiences including popular, rock, dance, soul, classical & Latin American. The station broadcasts 24 hours a day with live presenters operating usually between 7am to 10pm, although on some days coverage lasts until midnight. 

Particularly popular with listeners are the regular Community News features highlighting events and activities available within East Lothian & surrounding areas. ECFM prides itself on its strong with local charities and does much to promote their activities.

ECFM interacts with a wide range of local community groups, and promotes the advancement of the arts & culture by featuring them in on air interviews and highlighting upcoming events and activities.

Recognising the challenges faced by some listeners, particular emphasis is given to activities promoting mental health & wellbeing. It operates in partnership with the East Lothian Climate Action Network (ELCAN), a Scottish Government sponsored body focused on encouraging local groups to take positive action in response to the climate emergency. 

ECFM actively pursues inclusion by encouraging volunteers across generations, both in running the station and taking part in fundraising events. There is a particular focus on involving those categorised as vulnerable, with a number of vulnerable people involved in preparing and presenting their own shows, which serves to provide them with a sense of purpose and fulfilment, enhancing their self-esteem. 

The station also concentrates on advancing the education of young people and has established good links with local schools. By providing training it has enabled pupils to take part in the making and presenting of programmes. The weekly ‘School Bell’ show is run by local secondary school pupils, with some previous participants having progressed to careers in radio. ECFM also takes pupils on work placements.

In addition to ECFM’s on air station-based broadcasts, it also provides regular offsite support to a wide range of local events involving community groups and charities.

On a national scale  it has been recognised with the following industry awards: Scottish Enterprise Award, Prestige Award and the Princess Trust Award.

The Lamp of Lothian is proud to support East Coast FM!