On 16 February 2006, Ofcom announced that Phoenix FM, after ten years of campaigning, had been awarded a full-time Community Radio licence.

The station's broadcasts have provided a valuable platform for local bands looking to gain airtime.

The station's Creative Sessions have given studio recording time to unknown and young local bands as well as featuring established recording artists such as Republica, Imogen Heap, Turin Brakes, Salad, Echobelly, Midway Still, Chris T-T and MJ Hibbett.

Phoenix FM was also the first community radio station in the UK to provide a streaming internet service, in 2001.

East London and Essex Digital, a consortium led by Phoenix FM and including Basildon station Gateway 97.8, won the small scale DAB multiplex licence in July 2024.