Ofcom give 10Radio go-ahead to transmit

Thursday 10 January 2008

Ofcom Engineers have this afternoon completed their inspection and testing of the 10Radio transmitter and given us the OK for us to "test transmit" on 105.3 FM.

We have passed this important hurdle - the only comment from the Engineer (allegedly) was "have you got some Neil Young I can listen to ?"

10Radio is now very much in business and will be maintaining the test transmission signal 24/7 at 105.3Fm

Try to listen to the test signal and let us know if there are any problems with reception - or any odd things happening on phones/ TV reception / other Radio station reception - but why tune in to anything else is what we would say.

10Radio owes a big debt to Messrs. Knighton, Meehan & Matthews as well as everyone who helped to install things last weekend at the transmitter end - as well as the Wiveliscombe Scout parents who adapted a 8ft x 5ft shed for 10Radio purposes!

For more information about 10Radio and how you can also take part as a volunteer helper, presenter or business supporter you can visit www.10radio.org or contact Julian Mellor on 01984 623104 or Eddie Gaines 01984 624657

Notes for Editors:

[1] Wiveliscombe, Milverton and the surrounding eight parishes of Ashbrittle, Stawley, Bathealton, Fitzhead, Chipstable, Huish Champflower, Clatworthy and Brompton Ralph, are located in Somerset in the hills on the edge of Exmoor.

[2] The stated aims of 10Radio in their Ofcom Community Radio licence application are to:

• provide a wide range of radio listening to include many music genres, chat, discussion and investigation.
• provide a platform for local organisations, associations and businesses to promote their activities to the local population
• provide opportunities for local people to express their views, to explore issues of interest to them through the medium of radio
• provide particular opportunities for schoolchildren to make and present radio programmes to fit in with the school curriculum
• foster a sense of community and belonging in the Ten Parishes.

[3] Community Radio Licences are awarded by Ofcom on the basis of merit - in particular the delivery of significant 'social gain' to the public within the local community covered by the target broadcasting area.

[4] 10Radio incorporated as a Community Interest Company in November 2006. Anyone living, working or being educated in the Ten Parishes can become a member of the company. There is a Board of 11 directors all of whom live in the area and bring an expertise to the company.