Power failure sinks world record attempt
Swindon FM presenter James Patterson’s second attempt to smash the
world record for the longest continuous radio broadcast has ended prematurely
due to a power failure.
The power outage on Saturday night took Swindon FM off air for about
35 minutes, James continued to film the events that happened, and continued
with his broadcast at the earliest possible point, but this morning (Monday)
Guinness confirmed that the bid had failed.
Despite this, James has vowed to attempt the bid again as soon as possible;
James said “although I am very disappointed that Guinness have invalidated
this bid, I will be attempting it again very soon. The first thing on
my mind is getting a well earned rest after 77 hours on air.”
The show, in aid of the Dawn Easterling appeal, kicked off on Friday
10 December 2004 at 06:00am, and James has broadcast, and been deprived
of sleep since then, clocking up 77 hours on air. A video camera and assessors
working four-hour shifts logged James’ record-breaking attempt.
The response to the broadcast has been phenomenal, both from Swindon
residents, and also from the worldwide community, listening via the Internet.
Swindon FM will be applying for the recently announced FM licence to
serve Swindon and the surrounding area. Ofcom, the communications regulator,
intends to formally advertise the licence in March 2005 with the station
going on air later next year.
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