10Radio will be returning to 10 Parishes local airwaves in September. Tune in - again at 87.7 on FM (just a bit down from Radio 2 ) or also accessible through streaming on the internet at www.10Radio.org - from Sunday 17th September until Sat 14 October 20 and you will be able to hear some the most interesting, amusing and eclectic radio known to Wiveydom – with many of last years’s 10Radio presenters and personalities on board again as well as some newer ones- to bring local community broadcasting to Wivey.
But how does all this come together? – this is an insight from one of the organisers, into how 10Radio is shaping up again this year.
Q. What has
been happening to get 10Radio back on air?
A: A core group of organisers made up of presenters, volunteer helpers or
just interested people have been meeting regularly since last year’s
broadcast ended. In April the Community Centre was full for the 10Radio public
launch.
Everyone was shown 10Radio – The Movie (trailer) – a short video,
brilliantly put together by Matt Barrow, which gave everyone a taste of 10Radio’s
4 weeks of entertainment - with clips of live music, show interviews, various
show presenters doing their stuff and many interesting sound bites from listeners
and participants, plus masses of photos – this was followed by several
short presentations by show presenters and Ben Elkins speaking on behalf of
Kingsmead Students – who produced their own regular daily programmes.
Many were so enthusiastic that they signed up to get involved themselves and a series of training events on programme/ feature production and presenting training were subsequently organised.
The Presenter training has already started with Philip Knighton putting on a series of weekly events aimed at building up presenter skills – whether doing “ breakfast style interviewing” of being a Music DJ. Feature making and programme editing events have also been undertaken and will be available up to go- live date.
Q. So you have got people on board and have
started the training - can people still join in?
A: Yes there is still ample opportunity for people to join in at any stage
We fully expect more will come aboard – as they did last year --
during the 4 weeks of live broadcasting. However to get the benefit of
some pre-transmission
training in it is preferable to join as early a possible!
Q. What else has
to be done?
A: – We had to organise a new site for the transmission aerial and
put in an application for a short broadcast licence to OFCOM - and we are
optimistic
that this year’s aerial site will significantly improve reception.
We are also hoping to be more “Eco friendly” by using latest
technology to utilise solar power for the transmitter – but still
continue broadcasting when the sun goes down!
Q: What about the main studio – will
it be in Heathers in the Square again?
We are hoping that Heathers will be available again but, we are aware that
this is earmarked for occupation by the Library eventually - if not we
have some other
central Wivey sites in mind – of course this will need careful negotiation
with landlords etc.
Q: What about studio equipment etc?
A: We have received a grant from Somerset Partnership to buy our own studio
equipment and we already have a better main mixing desk that Philip has
obtained from Hospital
Radio which is already being put to use in his training sessions. We
will have everything we need to function -- computers, CD players etc.
by the
time we
go live. We are also putting together our own library of music and station
jingles/indents
for use this year. We are very grateful to Somerset County Council for
their funding for equipment. We have also received £350 from the
Jum Laker Fund to assist setting up 10Radio. We also need to approach
other organisations/ funding
bodies for their support, as last year it cost about £10000 to
put 10Radio together.
Q: So what other support do you need?
A: Obviously people, volunteer helpers and presenters are our highest
priority in order to make the station work smoothly and also to provide
the widest
possible range of interesting programmes - music or otherwise. They
can be of any age – some
of our youngest presenters stole the limelight last year and we are
keen to get “Old
Wivey” people on air too – after all, we are producing
10 Parishes history here!
On the financial side we are also looking beyond funding bodies – by involving local businesses. With sponsorship and advertising income we can hopefully generate an additional funding stream – something which will be looked on favourably by future funders (Yes we are keen to make 10Radio a regular community event). We will be able to professionally produce advertising features/ jingles for businesses this year too.
Q: So how can people/ businesses get in
touch with 10Radio?
A: They can contact myself on 01984 624657, Kim Cavanagh on 01984 623657
or Derek Skeavington on 01984 624133 or send an e mail to info@10Radio.org
or
come along
to one of our planning meetings, held on third Tuesday of every month,
7:30-9:30pm in the skittles alley at The Bear, Wiveliscombe.
Q: Many
thanks - we look for to 17th September when you go live.
A: Yes everyone tune in at 11 am on the 17th for the start of something
quite special and unique to the Wivey area. For the rest of the 4 weeks
10Radio
will be broadcasting live from 7am – midnight – look out for full details
of programmes nearer the time.