Background

Manchester has had a long history of successful student radio stations - for example Storm FM, which won a number of awards for its broadcasts. Unfortunately, the decline of Storm FM all those years ago left a major gap. So, back in the Summer of 2000 two students, Zoe Abrams and Penny Hollings, set about creating a proposal for a brand station, exclusive to the University of Manchester.

A place to call home...

The Student Union Executive accepted the proposal in July 2000 and work began on creating a base for the station. Space in the Union basement was converted into a fully functioning broadcast studio and production suite, which is still our home to this very day.

The Birth of Mint FM (eh?)

Alex Atkinson was elected as the first Studio Manager for the station, Alex is now a presenter on the Sony Award nominated show 'In Demand' which is networked on many stations across the country. But back to Fuse, or as it was known then Mint FM. In October 2000 work began on scheduling, technician training and so forth ready for the big launch. By November, the station's name had changed to Fuse FM (much better, don't you think?) and word was beginning to spread! Oooh, you can almost feel the excitment can't you?!

Fuse hits the airwaves

Fuse FM went on air for the first time on February 15th 2001 at 6am, broadcasting on 106.2 FM as well as via internet streaming meaning the entire globe could (and would, I mean it is Fuse FM afterall) tune in. What followed was an historical 14-day broadcast, showcasing new radio talent while ensuring a wide variety of music and programmes were supplied for the listener. A bit of trivia: The first song played was REM - The Great Beyond, and this broadcast (and all subsequent ones) have ended with Green Day - Time Of Your Life.

The BEST student radio station...EVER!

Since then Fuse has grown into a multi-award-winning student radio station, boasting some of the best young talent in the country. Fuse FM broadcast for four weeks in each academic semester (September to October and February to March) from 2003 until 2011 when it went full time. Online only broadcasts allowed for about 2 months each semester. Fuse FM reaches an audience of thousands - it pays to have one of the largest student populations in the UK!

Moving up in the world

On 29th April 2012, Fuse FM moved from it's traditional home in the basement of Steve Biko building to a set of brand new purpose built studios on the first floor. Professional equipment and purpose built furnature make these studios best looking and best sounding ever! And things can only get better as we work to ensure the country's best University in the UK's greatest city has the number one station around! Oh yes!!