01.06.12: The Hub – a new radio station for Roseland Online’s catchment area of South Central Cornwall – has just got the go-ahead to broadcast, just a year after it was a far-off dream. Ofcom, the radio regulator, has just granted The Hub a full-time FM community radio licence.
Mark David Hatwood, acting Chair of The Hub Radio and Roseland Online editor, said: “Thanks to the community funds and support of Cllrs Julian German and Bob Egerton and the hard work of Pete Appleyard, Gary Watts and Gareth Hill we’re thrilled to get the news, but this is only stage one. There’s been a huge amount of work to get where we are today, now we need to roll our sleeves up and get on with even more hard work!”
Community radio stations are part of the growing trend to ‘hyper-local’ information – providing a voice right down to street level.
The Hub will broadcast to the 15 parishes making up South Central Cornwall of Cuby, Gerrans, Grampound with Creed, Ladock, Mevagissey, Philleigh, Probus, Ruanlanihorne, St. Ewe, St. Goran, St. Just-In-Roseland, St. Michael Caerhays, St. Michael Penkevil, Tregony and Veryan.
But it will be more than a radio station for them. Mark added;
“The Hub will belong to all who live and work in the area and will be a platform for them to have a voice that might otherwise go unheard. We intend to provide a radio service that meets the needs of the local community for news, information, discussion & debate and also entertainment through music, drama and comedy. Working closely with existing organizations like Parish Magazines and Roseland-Online.co.uk, we plan to keep the locale informed and entertained.
“We also want to raise awareness of issues that affect the area we live in, promote local services and community groups, and give people in the area, regardless of age or experience, the chance to gain qualifications in radio production leading to higher levels of employability.”
But to develop The Hub plans and bring everything to air, the steering group needs to bring more people on board. They have two years to develop fully-equipped studios with funding in place and volunteers trained in radio presentation techniques.
A meeting will be called very shortly (date and time will be confirmed on their website) for anyone interested in helping to get The Hub up-and-running. This meeting will discuss funding, premises, staffing, logistics and look for volunteers.
“The main areas of expertise we’re looking for help with are: financing & accounting, business management, law, fundraising & grant applications, marketing and community development, though anyone with enthusiasm and a passion for radio will be welcome.”
Keep an eye on the website www.thehubradio.co.uk for the date of the meeting and for regular updates and information.
If you’d like to get in touch with The Hub, you can email Pete Appleyard on pete@thehubradio.co.uk or call 07813 523466.