WARRINGTON’S Mayor Cllr Faisal Rashid opened up the town hall to help relaunch the town’s community radio station, Radio Warrington which is now broadcasting on 1332 AM.
Dozens of volunteers, some who have been involved since the station first launched online nearly a decade ago, attended the special event as Clrl Rashid urged the business community to get behind the Community Interest, not for profit, company.
Station manager Steve Lewis, one of the original founders, gave a fascintating insight into what has gone on behind the scences over the past nine years, to get the station on the air waves.
He said Ofcom’s Definition of Community radio stations was to provide a new voice for hundreds of local communities across the UK. Fuelled by the hard work and enthusiasm of volunteers, they reflect a diverse mix of cultures and interests and provide a rich mix of mostly locally-produced content.
They run on a not-for-profit basis and bring community benefits such as training and community news and discussion.
The last decade has seen the number of community radio stations increase from just a handful to more than 230 stations, each reflecting the local needs and interests of its audience.
Steve said: “Radio Warrington began in March 2007 from a spare bedroom in Lathom Ave in Orford by three local radio DJ’s who felt that a town the size of Warrington ought to have its own community radio station to provide broadcast opportunities for local people and promote all that is great about
our town.
“Originally called Radio WORM (Warrington’s Online Radio Media) we soon found several like-minded individuals to provide a 24 hour a day service on the internet.
“In July 2007 Ofcom announced that it was inviting community radio applications for the North West of England. This probably came too soon for Radio WORM, as we were rejected that time due to our lack of broadcast experience and a shortage of FM frequencies in this area.
“We set about addressing these issues. We changed our name to Radio Warrington and were given some office space to set up proper studios firstly in the Warrington Disability Partnership’s base at Beaufort Street in Great Sankey. When that facility was closed for a £1 million refurbishment we moved to Cinnamon Brow Farm Club in 2009 where we were able to have two studios. One for training and pre-recording and the other for Live Shows.
“To gain transmission experience in 2012 and 2013 we were able to do some Restricted Short Term broadcasts for a few weeks on 87.8FM supported by Warrington Borough Council. We built two temporary studios in Warrington Market and installed a transmitter and aerial on the roof. ”
Steve added: “Warrington gets a very bad deal in regards to its own dedicated radio station when compared with other North West towns. In contrast, areas such as Liverpool, Manchester and Preston are very well catered for even though they already have BBC stations which are like big community radio stations by their nature.”
Radio Warrington now have a purpose built studio in Warrington Market.
The station would not have got on medium wave without the efforts of Lymm based morris dancer Paul Middlehurst.
Steve said: “Paul agreed to take on the whole task of getting Radio Warrington on the air on 1332 AM Medium Wave. Something that I’m sure he will regret until his dying day. If I were to go into the details of the meetings, designs, legal requirements, health & safety requirements, contracts, planning issues, emails and phone conversations, this talk would last until next Tuesday!”
Cllr Rashid said: “It is great news for the radio station to finally get its medium wave broadcasting sorted out.
“It is an important sounding board for the people of Warrington, it is their community station, available to all regardless of age, experience or abilities.
“Residents should remember if they have an event to publicise, opinions on what is happening in the town or national events which may affect Warrington they can now broadcast their say on Radio Warrington.”
Online listeners will still be able to listen on the internet in digital stereo on www.radiowarrington.co.uk
