Pirate FM102 began broadcasting on 3 April 1992, and on 3 April 2000 will move into its second licence period.

From the outset, Pirate FM102 has set out to be part of the very fabric of the local community in Cornwall, Plymouth and West Devon. Having two powerful transmitters to serve its area means news, local information and commercials can be editorialised to serve its two very different areas.

On 102.8FM, Pirate FM102 serves Mid and West Cornwall: an area that includes Truro, Penzance, Falmouth, Newquay, St Ives and St Austell. This is a rural area with the population living in villages and small towns. Truro, the largest town/city has a population of under 18,000. Cornwall's village communities are vibrant; in 1999 over 60 villages in Cornwall produced their own pantomime.

On 102.2FM, Pirate FM102 serves East/North Cornwall, Plymouth and West Devon. While East/North Cornwall is again very rural, much of this area focuses on Plymouth for work, shopping and entertainment.

Pirate FM102's own research has consistently shown that local news and information is critical to the radio station's success. In the summer, around 17 local information speech nuggets can be heard on any one day. The Sun Risk Factor, Focus On The South West, Tide Times, Surf Reports, Business Update, What's On, Helpline, Petsearch, Weather and (of course) Traffic and Travel are just some of the information pieces which make Pirate FM102 so local.

The Pirate Trust has been in place from day one in April 1992 and since then, literally hundreds of individuals and organisations have benefited from grants both large and small. The Children's Room in the new Children's Unit at the Royal Cornwall Hospital was fully fitted by the Pirate Trust, as was the hearing 'loop' for the hard of hearing at the splendid new Hall For Cornwall.

Pirate FM102 has been a great commercial success, but for the directors, of whom ALL but one live in the transmission area, a particular joy is to see just how much Pirate FM102 is part of the local community.

Almost 300,000 adults from a total potential audience of 590,000 tune into Pirate FM102 in any 4 week period and in the West transmission area the audience levels are stunning. 71% of Housewives with Children and 71% of ABC1 25-44 year olds tune into Pirate FM102 EVERY WEEK.

The new Pirate FM102 website is still under construction so if you have any enquiries or questions contact enquiries@piratefm102.co.uk

Finally, as you can see, Pirate FM102's localness has been extended to local transportation! The Pirate FM Road train is a big hit with visitors to Falmouth every summer.

Click here to find out more about Pirate102 FM's programming