Hello,

It's been too long since I shared an update with you about how things are going.

First, I recognise from the messages still being received how disappointed many people have been with Chill dropping off DAB in many areas. I've responded personally so far to hundreds, if not thousands, and tried to answer any specific questions as well as giving the general answers which I hope can help keeping you chill. The most frequently asked questions and answers are:

Q. Why did Chill come off DAB in my area?
A. Our parent company Global Radio had to make business decisions about what stations to put where, within limits of what it could do overall. The company preference is generally to make sure stations like Galaxy can be heard as widely as possible - the business need is to attract the most listeners and advertising income.

Q. Can we still listen to Chill?
A. Yes! If we are no longer on DAB in your area, we're streaming at www.helpmechill.com as well as directly on this MP3 stream: http://media-ice.musicradio.com/ChillMP3 (if your phone can get internet audio, for example, that address can get you Chill on demand!). Internet radios are fantastic ways to listen in places where you prefer a radio to a computer. We're also on Sky and Virgin Media for a limited time. On top of that, you can find download some Chill shows for free to listen to anywhere, any time - you will find them at www.jointhecircle.net/radio - and we are always looking to add more ways to chill with us.

Q. What can I do to get more Chill?
A. Best thing is to join our community site - www.helpyouchill.com - and share what helps you chill. You will find all the Chill producers and lots of listeners there, and we love swapping ideas, tune suggestions, more places to find chilled music, etc. We have a mission - "we're here to help you chill" - and often that involves us pointing outwards to other things available, rather than just trying to get you to glue our radio station to your head.

Q. Can I make a complaint / sign a petition / etc...
A. Of course! Some listeners have been very active about getting a force together to try and get Chill back on DAB. Is a mass of complaints going to make this happen? Personally, I wouldn't go that way. I know that for me, complaints = stress, not chill. But we're not getting in the way of people who want to express frustration - I know that lots of people bought DABs especially for Chill, for example, and buying another radio is not what they would want to do right now. Of course that is annoying. The thing I'd like to encourage you to do is to come and chill with our online community for a bit, and see if we can come up with something creative to help you chill. And if you are part of one of our social network communities - thank you! Every time you share a tune suggestion, or answer another listener's questions with something that will help them chill, it is really appreciated.

Now for what's currently happening on Chill. We have some fantastic new mixes every week - Ben Eshmade's "Arctic Circle" shows have been a particular highlight for me. These are available as free downloads at www.jointhecircle.net/radio. Ben also has a series of live music events on called "Marginalised" in London's Union Chapel this week - I'm about to post about those separately. They are raising money to help with London's homelessness crisis, and they feature artists who have been very popular on Chill. More info at www.unionchapel.org.uk

I've been collecting some brilliant new tunes to drop in across the day and in my Simple City acoustic show, and the other producers are doing the same. We've also been very grateful for your song suggestions - you know some great music!

We're about to add a very exciting new producer to the lineup. Someone you probably know... More news shortly.

As for other future things, we've been doing some serious work on how best to grow Chill in a sustainable way. I need to be honest with you - it's a challenge, and something we're thinking very creatively about. Providing a great radio station and paying the bills in a recession without overloading you with ads and interruptions is something we can only hope to do with the backing of a brilliant, supportive and creative community - which you can be part of! That's why I'm so keen that you bring your friends to www.helpyouchill.com. It's likely we'll have some fun things to do which will need volunteers in the near future - we'll post more there.

Finally I just want to share again how grateful I am for everyone's support, including - especially - Global Radio. If you do choose to contact them about DAB, please remember to thank them for years of support for Chill. The way you get in touch can make a real difference to people's days, and we want to be all about helping them chill too!

Best wishes,
Bern