Derby Amplified - community-run radio for our city

Ay up me duck! Our volunteer-run station is ready to grow and we want you to be part of it. We're about local radio for social good, made by and for the community. Help us to keep reducing loneliness, share local stories, amplify the local arts and music scene, with airplay for local artists, and empower volunteers and youth groups onto the airwaves. You can donate any amount - there are also some fun radio-related rewards available to claim. 

Derby deserves a truly local radio station for our city, where there have been cutbacks to local BBC radio and specialist music genre shows. Big corporate media companies have bought up local radio stations, often airing regional and national content, overlooking what's happening in Derby and not offering opportunities for people to learn radio skills, as a hobby or new career path. Radio can help keep the community connected, like an audio version of a noticeboard of local news and events, with friendly local voices to keep you company and a place for youngsters to get their first taste of broadcasting. 

We want to open up the airwaves and give more people the chance to participate in radio made by and for Derby. We are delighted to be part of the successful Derby DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) bid to bring a new system to the city by 2024, enabling Derby Sound and other small or specialist stations to be heard on DAB radios, in addition to listening via the internet. This will reach more people and help us to grow, but we need your help to get through these costly times and make it all possible. Did you see our story in the local news? 

Your donations can help us to - 

* recruit, train, mentor and supervise more volunteer presenters and community reporters (we can't keep up with current demand, but how great is it that so many people want to get involved?!) 

* cover running costs (price rises in this economy, hey?) such as broadcasting bills, news and weather report service, studio space and license fees to play music 

* get ready to broadcast on the new small-scale Derby DAB+ transmitter, with additional license fees, reaching people without internet access/confidence who can tune in on a DAB+ radio   

Longer-term - exciting plans ahead! We are also working on grant applications and raising income via radio advertising and sponsorship so that we can recruit staff to run our station, keep up with demand, fill the 24/7 schedule with great hosts and content, plus investing in mobile / outdoor broadcasting kit to support local events and do more of our youth radio workshops and Love Music Reject Hate roadshows with local artists and venues. 

Images above: Kirby, local artist, sings at Derby Sound Love Music Reject Hate roadshow; Corie, Chair of the Board and folk show host, and her guide dog Honey, who is a bit of station celebrity!

In memory of our dear friend, Vincent Martin, who absolutely loved presenting The Retro Show and being part of the team. It was his dream to be on radio. We know he would have been so excited about airing on DAB. Much missed and always in our thoughts. Vince, we're sure you're spinning tunes and spreading joy in the afterlife.