FM4

FM4 is an Austrian national radio station, operated by the ORF. Its main target is the youth audience, and much of the music output is characterised by an alternative rock and electronic music slant.

The programming of "FM4" is also notable for its high level of spoken word content, much of which is produced in the English language. Morning programmes, including the current affairs-based "Reality Check" and "Update", are broadcast in English while afternoon shows "Connected" and "Homebase" are German-speaking. News in French is also transmitted twice a day.

"FM4" was launched on January 16 1995 and initially shared its frequencies with English-language ORF radio station Blue Danube Radio. From its launch in 1995 until January 31 2000 "FM4" was only on-air during evenings and night times from 7pm-6am. Since February 1 2000 "FM4" has broadcast its programmes 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, incorporating some of the English programmes previously found on Blue Danube Radio.

At launch, "FM4" was known as an underground radio station, but full-time broadcasting has increased its popularity and listening figures considerably. It describes its format as "alternative mainstream". As well as increasing popularity in Austria itself, a growing number of listeners are tuning in outside the country, most notably in the German state of Bavaria. In 2005, FM4 held its first music festival outside Austria, in Munich.

The website is an essential part of the "FM4" concept. Selected web hosts such as Boris Jordan, Johannes Grenzfurthner and Hans Wu post reports, articles or essays about various topics.

In 2001, FM4 teamed up with concert promoter Musicnet to create the FM4 Frequency Festival. This has become the biggest alternative music festival in Austria, and predominantly features artists and bands who appear on the FM4 playlist.

On October 26 2001 the FM4 Soundpark was launched, creating an online platform on which young musicians can publish their work for free to reach FM4's audience.

The program director of FM4 is Monika Eigensperger.

External links

* [http://fm4.orf.at FM4 homepage]
* [http://fm4.orf.at/soundpark FM4 Soundpark]