Member Article

New radio station set to make waves

A new radio station for Newcastle and Gateshead is to be launched at the end of this week. NE1fm, which launches on Friday, is designed as a community based station already has a cult online following through social networking website Myspace. 102.5fm will be operated by local volunteers and will involve all aspects of the community, allowing people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds to interact, produce and manage the station.

The project has been long anticipated and is set to get a wave of volunteers once it goes on air. The station has already trained presenters, DJs, and producers and has had a positive reaction from those who have experienced the community feel of the studio.

Chairman Alistair MacDonald said: “We’re not just about presenting shows. Before you set foot in the studio for your first live show you’ll be trained to use the equipment, have the opportunity to earn an NVQ, and learn many more radio related skills. As each show is responsible for choosing what music or speech they wish to feature, each show is very different to that found on other stations.”

The idea for the station was born in 2001 when the UK government gave the go-ahead to trial a new from of radio broadcast licensing for community radio. This licence allowed non-commercial organisations to set up and run a radio station for the benefit of the community.

Alistair said: “At the end of the day, NE1fm will be a vital part of the community. It will offer a voice to those who are normally ignored, give opportunities to those who’ve had none, and keep the community informed and involved. It will reflect the diversity of the communities across the city of Newcastle upon Tyne, and bring them closer together.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .