South Northumberland radio station struggling for funds

Posted by The Journal on Apr 23, 09 12:20 PM in News

Synergy FM team- John White and Maxine Bradley Volunteers behind plans to launch a community radio station in Northumberland remain determined to make their dream a reality - despite the recession hitting vital fundraising efforts.

A five-strong team behind the proposed Synergy station - which would broadcast to about 130,000 people on the FM frequency - need to raise up to ÃÂ£60,000 to get it on the air.

Now hopes of launching the first of two trial broadcasts this summer are fading fast because of difficulties in securing grants, donations and sponsorship during the economic downturn.

Synergy plans to broadcast a mix of music, talk and local information to households across Blyth Valley, Wansbeck and Castle Morpeth.

Volunteers are planning a studio in Ashington but have to raise significant funds to cover the costs of hiring premises, equipment and obtaining broadcasting licences from Ofcom.

They had hoped to run the first of two, four-week trial broadcasts this summer before applying for a full-time licence, but this is now highly unlikely to happen.

Colin Heathcote, chairman of the South Northumberland Radio Group (SNRG), said the aim of the project was to reach out to local communities through the medium of radio.

It has attracted messages of support from local MP Denis Murphy and many local organisations, and has secured limited funding from the Wansbeck People's Appeal and Arts for All fund.

Mr Heathcote said: " We have not been very successful so far with our funding, but there is a recession out there.

"There is a pretty long run-in time and volunteers have to be trained up for the broadcasts, so hopes are fading that we will be taking to the airwaves this year.

"We would appeal to anyone who can give us financial support to come forward, because in these times a radio station accessible to the community will be vital in getting information out, and helping ease social isolation."

The SNRG can be contacted on 08458 628 787 or at www.snrgroup.co.uk.

Pictured: Synergy FM team- John White and Maxine Bradley

We'd like to hear from you.
Send your stories, pics and videos to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk