Air Tattoo Live (ATL) provides an FM Radio Station (87.7FM) for the duration of the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire each July. ATL provides entertainment and information for people in the local area and at the event about the Air Show. We provide traffic information, weather reports, Air Show updates, interviews and commentary; along with rocking tunes from the 80
's to the present day. Traffic information:
We will be providing regular traffic reports (on both the inbound and outbound journeys) with dedicated staff and presenters in the main control centre at the airfield to collect information from both the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Police Forces; relaying it to our listeners and relating it to what is happening for people coming to see and getting away from the show. Weather:
We will be broadcasting “live” weather forecasts from the duty forecaster in the “Gulfstream Flight Centre”, who is there to provide weather information to displaying and departing aircraft crews. We will play requests and dedications for people who make them, either by phone, text, or even in person on show days at the studio and also from our page!! We will also be giving details of what’s flying and when; provide details of participating Air arms and Display teams by broadcasting interviews with team members. Commentary:
We plan to carry the live commentary from the dedicated commentary team on the airfield, with exciting comments and descriptions from some of the various air arms display teams themselves. Broadcast hours:
Friday 11th 7am - 7pm
Saturday & Sunday 13th July 6am - 9pm
History:
The Air Tattoo Radio Station was “born” in 1986 at the show in Bournemouth, sponsored by TV South and manned by one person, then Squadron Leader Derek Liddell, (now retired) with two record decks, one cassette player, two microphones and a transmitter. Initially, the station was only allowed to transmit on one quarter of one watt on medium wave, “this barely reached the perimeter of the airfield” to quote Derek. After some years and the station having proved it’s credibility, the station was allowed to increase it power output to one watt on medium wave, this being equivalent to the 25 watts we now broadcast on FM today. This allows us to get out to a few miles outside the local area depending on prevailing weather conditions. Derek built up the station to what it was in 2008 with 5 presenters, with Tim as producer, Tom as sound editor, under Ade’s supervision, and broadcasting 24/7 from the start of the show “build up” to the end, with a sustaining service running when live broadcasting was not “on air” to provide, the all important service to our listeners. Over the years, the station has been sponsored on occasions by various Companies such as Breitling, BAE Systems and Eurofighter Typhoon, and has also been known as Harrier FM, Wings FM and now Air Tattoo Live (ATL). Where sponsorship was not forthcoming the station has been funded by the main organisation and it is now an integral part of the total Media Team operation at the Air Tattoo each year. The Team:
The team is made up of volunteers who give their time freely to the Station, as part of the thousands of people who give up their time each year for the Charity. They are a keen and enthusiastic bunch who have a broad experience of broadcasting in various areas. Location:
The ATL Radio studio is located on the boundary of the Media Village on the showground behind the commentary tower, which is to the left of the Fire lane, to the left of the ATC Tower as you look at the Display Runway from the showground. You will see where we are located on the map included in your souvenir programme. And a bloomin' great flag with Air Tattoo Live on it, next to it. There will be a “manned” tent next to the radio and showground broadcasting studios where you can come and have a look at our studios and make a request if you wish.
