About Scratch Radio
Scratch Radio is a student and community radio station broadcasting 24 hours a day from studios based in Perry Barr, Birmingham - the only joint student and community radio station across the city.
This year is the first year that Scratch has held a license to broadcast 24 hours a day. We are only permitted to broadcast online, but that does mean that anyone, anywhere in the world can listen live to Scratch Radio.
The station is run entirely by volunteers from both the Birmingham City University Students' Union and the local community. We welcome anyone to get involved with Scratch - from office and admin staff, to presenters and djs.
The Scratch studio is located inside the Birmingham City University Students' Union building, on the City North Campus. From here live shows are broadcast, jingles and idents are produced and reception is regularly manned by a member of the committee. Pop in and see what it's all about!
Whilst our schedule may not be full yet, we're working really hard to get as many students and community members involved with the station. If you want to get involed, check out our Join Us pages. Or, for full shows and listings, see our Schedule.
Listen Live Help
Scratch Radio broadcasts throughout the day online from www.scratchradio.co.uk - which means you have to tune in on a computer connected to the internet.
All you have to do is click LISTEN LIVE at the top of this page which should open Windows Media Player, or a similar media player, and connect to the live stream.
There are several issues with our streaming which we are working to resolve, see our tips below on how to resolve some of these issues.
Windows XP/Vista/7
Our stream is currently optimised for Windows users. Simply clicking the link above should let your computer sort out the rest. If not, try opening Windows Media Player, click 'File' and then 'Open URL...' - from here copy this link into the available space:
http://mediaradio.biad.uce.ac.uk/SCRatchRadio
If you're still having problems connecting, make sure you have the most recent version of Windows Media Player installed on your machine by checking online at Microsoft.com.
Mac OS X
Due to technical restrictions, Mac users will have some difficulty connecting to our live stream. There are several options which will allow you to listen to Scratch Radio live.
1. Download VLC Player
The most simple option is simply to download VLC Player from their website. This is a stand-alone application which will open the Windows formatted stream.
Once downloaded and installed on your machine, open VLC Player, select 'File' and then 'Open Network...' - from here copy and paste the following link:
http://mediaradio.biad.uce.ac.uk/SCRatchRadio
Click 'Open' and wait whilst VLC connects to the stream.
2. Download the Flip4Mac plugin
If you want to listen to Scratch Radio in your chosen browser or using Quicktime you will need to download and install the Flip4Mac plugin.
These components make Quicktime compatable with Windows Media formatted media and streams. Whilst this option may appear easier, we have found that it is slightly less reliable.
Technical Information
For those of you who are technically minded, we are currently streaming from our studios in Perry Barr using Windows Media Encoder. Whilst this presents us with some limitations, it is the most reliable encoder which can be used under University network restrictions.
Our current stream is encoded in .ASX format, optimised for Windows machines. We aim to stream at 128kbps and one significantly lower bitrate.
We are constantly working to try new encoding programs and services. Recent tests using Shoutcast have proved positive and would allow listeners to tune in using a large number of programs and across a number of operating systems. In order to change to this system, we are waiting for firewall issues to be resolved.
Scratch Competition Terms and Conditions
1. These rules apply for all competitions where the prize may have a purchase or deemed value in excess of £10.00.
2. Unless otherwise stated on air all contestants must be over 18 years of age.
3. Unless otherwise stated on air contestants can enter each Scratch Radio competition only once.
4. Unless otherwise stated on air, all contestants chosen are those who have made contact with the station, in the manner specified, during the competition period and are chosen at random from the correct answers given.
5. The competition will run either until the competition has been completed or until the specified time slot is over. This will be advertised on air, via the website or via whichever medium the competition is run. Scratch Radio reserves theright not to give away any prize if no winner is found.
6. Unless otherwise stated on air, there is only one prize per competition and all prizes are offered in good faith. It is recognised that at times genuine mistakes can occur. If a mistake has occurred, then the management, in its sole discretion can either award the prize to the person(s) who in their view was the original winner of the competition or alternatively ask the contestants to play again on a ’head to head’ basis. When instances like this occur, Scratch Radio will not provide a runner up prize.
7. Prizes offered by Scratch Radio are in most cases provided to the company by a third party or sponsor. At the end of the competition the liability passes from Source Radio to the sponsor for the deliverance of the prize offered. If the sponsor or third party thereafter cannot deliver the product or prize due to liquidation or similar, Scratch Radio is not liable for its provision.
8. Members, and relatives & close friends of members, of Scratch Radio or any of the co-sponsors of the competition are not eligible to enter competitions.
9. Unless otherwise stated on air all contestants chosen are those who have contacted the station during the competition period and are chosen at random by the presenter in line with the advertised promotion of the competition.
10. Scratch Radio reserves the right to alter or amend these rules at any time and to suspend the competition or cancel the competition at any time.
11. Unless otherwise stated on air there is no cash alternative to the advertised prize(s) and any prize is strictly non-transferable.
12. Failure to gain access to competitions due to technical difficulties, such as engaged phone lines or for any other reason is not the responsibility of Scratch Radio.
13. Copyright in the on-air broadcast and any photographs or images or audio of winners remains the property of Scratch Radio.
14. By entering competitions all contestants agree to be used in publicity, on air promotion and by any means deemed fit for the promotion of the station.
15. No correspondence will be entered into regarding competitions. The Scratch Radio representative decision is final.
16. Any contestant entering competitions on Scratch Radio giving false or misleading information will be disqualified and any prize(s) won will be withdrawn.
