Terms and Conditions of Use

1. Definitions

“Station”, “we”, “us”, “our” means Essex Estuary Radio operated by Vibrato Media Group.
“Platform” means our website, mobile application, live streams, smart speaker platforms, third-party radio directories and future broadcast platforms including DAB digital radio.
“User” means any member of the public accessing the Platform.
“Staff” means presenters, producers, volunteers, contractors and contributors.
“Content” means all audio, text, graphics, branding, metadata, broadcasts and materials.
“Third-Party Providers” includes BRLOGIC, GoDaddy, Myriad, IRN, music licensors and distribution platforms.

2. Who We Are

Essex Estuary Radio is a digital radio station operated by Vibrato Media Group delivering music, news, entertainment and community programming primarily serving Essex and surrounding areas.

The Station is regulated by Ofcom and operates in accordance with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and applicable UK communications legislation.

The Station is currently available online and via mobile applications and third-party radio platforms including myTuner, TuneIn and Radio.now, and is preparing for future transmission on DAB digital radio.

Music is broadcast under licensing arrangements with PRS for Music and PPL. News content is supplied under licence from IRN (Independent Radio News).

Our station jingles and audio imaging are professionally produced by Radio Jingles 24 using experienced professional voice-over artists, including talent who have voiced major international brands.

Our technical infrastructure includes:

• Website hosting and streaming services provided by BRLOGIC
• Domain registration and DNS services provided by GoDaddy
• Radio automation and playout systems provided by Myriad

3. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using any part of the Platform you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform.

SECTION A – Public Users

4. Access and Eligibility

Users must be at least 13 years old. Users under 18 must have parental consent. We reserve the right to restrict or terminate access if misuse occurs.

5. Mobile App and Third-Party Platforms

Our mobile app and third-party platforms may require updates, compatible devices and internet connectivity. Push notifications may be enabled and data charges may apply. Third-party platforms operate under their own terms and policies.

6. Streaming and Service Availability

We aim to provide reliable service but cannot guarantee uninterrupted availability. Interruptions may occur due to maintenance, hosting or streaming provider issues (including BRLOGIC), network failures, regulatory requirements, platform outages or events beyond our control. We accept no liability for buffering, downtime or loss of service. Coverage and reception may vary by location and device.

7. Intellectual Property

All Station branding, jingles, logos, audio programming, website design and original content remain the intellectual property of Vibrato Media Group or its licensors. Content may only be used for personal, non-commercial purposes. Recording, copying, redistribution or commercial use without permission is prohibited.

8. IRN and Licensed News Content

News content supplied by IRN (Independent Radio News) remains the intellectual property of IRN and its licensors. This content may only be consumed through our Platform and must not be copied, recorded, redistributed or reused. Some content may be subject to embargo restrictions.

9. Music Licensing

Music broadcast by the Station is licensed for listening purposes only. Users must not capture, record or redistribute music content.

10. User Submissions and Interaction

By submitting messages, audio, images, texts or other material to the Station (including via SMS, WhatsApp, app forms or social media), you grant the Station a royalty-free, worldwide licence to use, broadcast, reproduce and edit such material. You confirm that you have the right to submit the content and that it does not infringe third-party rights. We reserve the right to moderate, edit or reject submissions.

11. Advertising and External Links

We are not responsible for advertiser claims, products, services or external websites. Any dealings are strictly between users and advertisers.

12. Privacy and Data Protection

Personal data is processed in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy.

SECTION B – Staff, Volunteers and Contributors

13. Regulatory Compliance

All Staff must comply with the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, licence conditions, copyright law, data protection legislation and Station editorial policies and procedures.

14. IRN Usage Rules

IRN content must only be used in accordance with licence terms and must not be copied, stored externally, redistributed or shared. Embargoes must be strictly respected.

15. Intellectual Property (Staff)

All content created in the course of Station duties becomes the property of Vibrato Media Group unless otherwise agreed in writing.

16. Technology and Systems Use

Staff must use Station systems responsibly including BRLOGIC hosting systems, Myriad playout systems, website platforms and communication tools. Unauthorised access, credential sharing or misuse is prohibited.

17. Conduct and Behaviour

Staff must behave professionally and respectfully on-air and off-air when representing the Station. Harassment, discrimination or misconduct will not be tolerated.

18. Confidentiality

Confidential information relating to the Station, partners, suppliers or internal operations must not be disclosed without authorisation.

19. Health and Safety

Staff must comply with safety procedures and report hazards or incidents promptly.

20. Termination and Access Removal

We may suspend or terminate Staff access to systems, platforms or premises at any time without notice.

SECTION C – Editorial Integrity, Safeguarding and Legal

21. Human Production and Editorial Integrity

Essex Estuary Radio operates as a human-produced broadcast service. All presenters, voice output, programming, jingles, news presentation and editorial decisions are created and delivered by real people. The Station does not use artificial intelligence systems to generate voices, presenters, news output or editorial content.

22. Safeguarding and Protection of Under-18s

The Station is committed to safeguarding children and young people. Any content involving under-18s is moderated carefully. The Station does not knowingly collect personal data from children without appropriate consent and operates a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, exploitation or inappropriate behaviour.

23. Emergency and Breaking News Disclaimer

News and live programming may evolve rapidly during breaking events. While reasonable efforts are made to ensure accuracy, information may change or be corrected. The Station is not responsible for decisions made based on live or developing information.

24. Archive, Recording and Reuse Policy

The Station may record and archive broadcasts for compliance, quality assurance, training, promotional and editorial purposes. Archived content remains the intellectual property of the Station unless otherwise agreed.

25. Complaints Procedure

Listeners may submit complaints by emailing alfie@essexestuaryradio.co.uk. We aim to acknowledge complaints within five working days and provide a substantive response within ten working days. If a complaint cannot be resolved internally, it may be escalated to Ofcom in accordance with Ofcom complaint procedures.

26. Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

Services are provided “as is” without warranties. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Station accepts no liability for losses arising from use of the Platform.

27. Indemnity

Users and Staff agree to indemnify the Station against claims arising from breaches of these Terms or misuse of the Platform.

28. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of any updated Terms.

29. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales and subject to the jurisdiction of the UK courts.