We've been trying since long before the pandemic to bring back an online and FM radio station to the upper calder valley. and the valleys towards Rochdale and Burnley. Providing another option when it comes to musical entertainment, local news, whats on, a community noticeboard that stays up to date, and an advertising platform that can reach people at home, at work, in the car or in the shower.
There have been many changes and setbacks over the years. The last major social one being the pandemic, and prior to that, licencing moving from the radio authority to Ofcom, with a new set of rules to abide by. We've jumped through hoops to get this far so we can actually show you what we want to offer.
The idea is to have a radio station which will broadcast 20/7 365 days a year on the web, whilst doing trials for a full time FM community licence. A small group of us formed headed by me (Joe), to make sure everything is legit, within guidelines and the law, achievable, and at the end of the day, worth it...
I personally worked on and with a previous station in the town, which did FM trials with some success. I from there witnessed how a new station was set up, as 2BR in Burnley, and helped a little there behind the scenes. Ive worked for and with Radio Aire, Hallam FM, Viking and the Beeb on occasion, even had some of my own stuff played on Radio 1. Its an exciting industry to work in, but its something everyone can be involved in, and be a focal point thats there FOR the community.
Previous stations rented equipment such as transmitters... To keep costs down I've already bought the FM transmitter and 90% of the studio. We have advertisers ready to sign, but here comes the crunch...
By the end of February/early March there will be "some" audio output on the web, to prove were here, even though at the start, this will be 70% automated, with presenters going on air live at times from their home studio's.
We have been given premises within which we can construct the studio, and an office/green room, for all our team to share, and people to book and come and see us. We had a couple of financial backers, who were willing to donate some, and loan the station the money to get up and running. Unfortunately over the years for various reasons, these avenues are no longer available, so a little birdy suggested this, and here I am, typing, hoping to convey the idea...
So now were at a crucial point. We need timber, plasterboard, and materials to construct the small unit we'll be housed in. We need a landline putting in and internet access. A backup power supply so if the power goes off, we dont. The list is quite extensive. To do the initial build and do our first broadcast, we'd be looking towards £10,000, and I donate everything I have already purchased to the cause. If we don't raise enough money in advertising the first time, then we have to ask for more to do a second trial. It may be that people are 'chomping at the bit' to advertise, and so far its looking good. It should be self-funding and independent from funding within 18 months of the first FM broadcast.
You can check out our Facebook page and contact us through there. There should be a temporary mobile number on there within days too. We're not having a 'webpage' as such as our broadcast "home page" will cover everything, including links where you can download our app to Apple and Android phones. Thats coming very soon, funded by bank of Joe. The big stuff is where I/we/IT(?), need help. Information is being updated all the time, so bear with us. You can use our facebook page to ask questions, lend a hand, apply to be a presenter etc for now. When our mobile numbers set up, WhatsApp will be there too. Currently sourcing an email provider for the domain we've bought. Things are moving very quickly, but now we need YOU!