Revolution isintheair forradio enthusiasts

THERE has been a radio revolution in the past decade. Since 2005, Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has granted licences to about 200 community stations across the country.

Typically, they cover a small geographical area – although many offer live streaming online – and are not-for-profit organisations.

According to Ofcom, stations should be at a central part of the community they serve, creating direct links with listeners and giving them the chance to take part in how the station is run. It’s also great fun, according to Peter Dixon, station manager at Radio Teesdale.

Formed in 2003, the Barnard Castle-based station was among the first tranche to be granted a licence and has been broadcasting full-time since 2007.

“It is a fantastic way to engage with a community and for a community to come together,”

he says. “The techies love all the technical aspects of making radio work and the communicators have a voice to get their message heard and help others have a voice within a community.”

Jeremy Gartland is keen to emulate the success of Radio Teesdale. Mr Gartland, 42, is chairman of East Cleveland Community Radio Ltd, which was awarded a coveted Ofcom licence for Zetland FM last October.

The station will broadcast across an area which includes Redcar, Guisborough, Marske, New Marske and Saltburn. Mr Gartland has been involved in radio since college days in the late 1980s, most recently enjoying 12 years at Fresh FM, based in Skipton and Richmond, before the station was taken over by Stray FM in Harrogate in 2012.

“Some colleagues and I looked into applying for a licence in the last round in 2008-09, but we did not have the resources or the time to do it.

Peter Dixon, station manager at Teesdale Radio

“When it was announced there would be another round in October 2011, we had more time at our disposal,”

says the Teessidebased school IT and systems manager. “I grew up in Skelton and having seen the benefits community radio can bring, I thought it would be great to bring something to Redcar and Cleveland.

“I don’t think the area is very well served by existing radio stations and there is so much going on.”

If all goes to plan, the station will be based in Redcar’s new Palace Hub, a seafront complex aimed at the creative sector.

A second Recdar-based station is already up and running.

However, Dee Wold, founder of Palace FM, is following a different model, broadcasting online only.

“I always wanted my own radio station,” says Dee, 40, whose background is in the performing arts.

Palace FM went on air last April while the station’s application for an Ofcom licence was being considered.

Although disappointed the licence was not granted, Dee says this has not hindered progress, with the station going from strength to strength. “We are doing something completely different and I love the fact that anyone can access us.”

She has recruited a 30- strong team of volunteers, with more about to join, and is currently finalising new Breakfast and Drive shows.

“The response has been great. So many people have contacted us saying ‘keep up the good work’. People living further afield contact us saying it’s good to keep in touch with home.”

She says standards are important, even though the station is not covered by Ofcom rules. “The station is run as if it’s on FM and complies with all guidelines even though online is not governed in the same way.”

While the technology-savvy younger generation is happy to tune in via internet streaming, phone apps or smart TVs, Dee admits more mature listeners need some convincing.

“The older generation think we are not a proper radio station – it’s not having the FM licence that makes people say you are not a real station. It would have been nice to have the FM licence, but all people need to do is listen to us.

“Once they have heard us they are quite surprised.”

Success with a planned application for an Ofcom AM licence this year may also help Dee’s cause.

What unites all community radio stations is raising enough money to stay on air in challenging economic times. Radio Teesdale must raise about £60,000 a year to cover costs, and the terms of the Ofcom licence mean only 50 per cent can be generated through advertising and sponsorship. The rest must come from other sources.

As Peter Dixon says, fundraising plays a big part in a station manager’s life.

“The biggest problem at the moment – and perhaps it always has been – is funding,”

he says. “We do OK raising sponsorship and advertising.

The remainder needs to come from other commercial income such as training and principally grant funding.

In these austere times this is increasingly difficult.

Capital costs – for setting up a new station, for example – are perhaps less difficult as funders see it as a new and exciting project that they have tangibly bought a piece of.

“Ongoing revenue funding, which is of equal importance to a community radio station, is less easy to find.”

Funding is at the forefront of Jeremy Gartland’s mind as well, as he hopes to get Zetland FM on air later this year. He reckons an initial £30,000 is needed.

“We have two years from the granting of the licence to get up and running and we are confident we will be on air before that. Funding is not as easy to come by as it has been.

“We are applying to funding bodies.

“We are ready to swing into action, but it is a bit frustrating at the moment.

“However, we are confident people will help fund us and we have got a lot of support from local businesses and the community in general.”

Dee also relies on advertising and donations but is exploring other avenues.

“I have done my homework and research and am putting together packages with the focus on providing courses for groups in the community to give them the skills for the radio.”

So, is it all worth it? Without a doubt, is the answer from all three.

Dee Wold, founder of Palace FM, with Nick Emery, presenter of the Monday Musings mid-morning show

As Dee says: “It is by no means easy, but every second has been enjoyable. I am really proud of what we have created.”