10Radio mobilises itself for big switch later this month

No sooner had the Christmas celebrations and presents been unwrapped - not to mention puddings been eaten when things began to stir with the building of the new 10radio Broadcast Studio at 1 Croft Cottage West Street in Wiveliscombe. A dedicated team of volunteers from the local community have been working tirelessly day after day, modifying the building for use as a 10Radio studio and broadcasting training / editing suite, a well as putting up the 10Radio main transmitter aerial, so that 10Radio can commence broadcasting to the 10Parishes area under a new 5 year Ofcom Community Radio licence.

The station is aiming to start it's new broadcast schedule nearer the end of January on 105.3 FM - with initial test transmission due to commence the end of this week.

There has already been a lot of other activity prior this - with over 50 local people taking part in various Radio broadcast training modules. A schedule of programmes covering the first few months of broadcast is soon to be announced, with all types of programmes promised from the 10Radio organisers.

There is also a newly established youth group, supported by Somerset Local Network Funding grant has helped to train over 20 young people aged between 11 & 18, who will organise, produce and present their own programmes for 10Radio. Various local organisations are helping and supporting 10Radio to launch as well as a lot of interest is being shown from local businesses who are keen to support this community led radio station get on air.

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.