The Sid Valley’s first radio station, made by the community for the community, has officially gone live for the first time.
Broadcaster Bob Weeks has ploughed thousands of pounds of his own money into launching Sid Valley Radio with the aim to make it a place where people can share their stories and musical tastes.
The online station has been active for a number of weeks but held its official launch on Friday at its base in the Alexandria Industrial Estate.
On launch day he was joined by fellow presenters Chris Ward, Adrian Brown and Janet Dowling, who will each have slots during the week.
Bob, of Peasland Road, said: “It has to be a community thing, it is made for the community by the community.
“If we do not get the interest it will die.
“That’s how much I believe in it, you wouldn’t have ploughed thousands of your own money in if you did not believe in it.”
The presenter said the station would seek to run around the clock with a schedule full of different musical genres 24 hours a day.
He said it would also act as a platform for youngsters to use to gain industry experience.
Bob said: “There is no reason why anybody couldn’t have a show on the station if they can hold a conversation with a microphone in front of them.
“The listener numbers will be small to start with and grown over time.”
His dream for the station is to eventually get a full FM licence from government regulator Ofcom.
The former freelance photographer thanked Sid Vale Carnival Club members for helping to build the studio and East Devon District Council for its support.
Ian McKenzie-Edwards, chairman of the town council, declared the station opened before chatting to Bob live on air.
He said: “This is a great idea. This is about community involvement and it will help get in people who have interesting things to say.”
To tune in to Sid Valley Radio visit sidvalleyradio.co.uk
Or if you are interested in presenting or volunteering for the station, email Bob Weeks at sidvalleyradio@gmail.com
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