A South London organisation is joining the first batch of community radio stations gearing up for applications from Ofcom as they open on 1 September, writes Wale Azeez.
Bexley Community Media Association (BCMA) is launching TRG Sound in October and is offering radio training to volunteers in exchange for their time.
The station, which will be internetbased but is also filing an application for an AM licence, will serve listeners in Bexley and along the Thames Gateway to Woolwich.
According to BCMA manager Andy Sayers, volunteers will be able to try presenting, producing or studio work. A mixture of cultural and community groups will produce and present shows about issues that concern them.
“This is about sharing skills and time to benefit the community. The studio door is open for anyone who’d like to give radio a go,” he said.
TRG Sound has received funding from the European Social Fund, the Local Network Fund and others, including local businesses.
The move comes a fortnight after the Community Radio Order was passed in the House of Lords and a week after regulator Ofcom published guidelines for the new tier of not-for-profit broadcasters.
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