Barrow radio station hopes for summer go-ahead
Last updated at 16:35, Wednesday, 27 February 2013
THE college team behind a planned FM community radio station hope it can be up and running in time for a summer celebration.
CandoFM’s bid for a five-year FM community radio licence for Barrow is being considered by Ofcom.
The website for the communications regulator has acknowledged CandoFM’s application and is now listing it as an official applicant. A decision is expected in the coming months.
Furness College, in Barrow, hosts CandoFM, a station which is broadcast over the internet through www.candofm.com
It was set up in December 2010 through the work of the Enterprise Hubs project for schools.
Radio founder and co-ordinator, Jonny Williams, was inspired by a conference demonstrating how radio stations can help young people.
The station is run by students and volunteers who plan and present the shows. Students, like Mike Hibbert, a media production foundation degree student, have taken leading roles with the station.
The team have also broadcasts live from a number of education festivals.
The FM licence would allow the station to cover a 5km radius taking in Barrow and Walney.
If successful the station would run as a social enterprise, with planned slots for college and school students, community organisations and businesses, and music ambassadors who advocate different genres of music.
Barrow Borough Council has agreed the radio aerial could be located at Barrow Town Hall, subject to a planning application.
Also writing letters of support were Barrow MP John Woodcock, Eddie Martin, the leader of Cumbria County Council, Barrow mayor, Councillor Wendy Maddox and Insp Ian McClymont of Barrow police.
Mr Williams, who completed the bid with broadcaster Justin Cooke, said: “We feel our chances are very favourable.’’
Mr Williams said he hopes everything could be ready for broadcasting in time for the Furness College campus celebration on June 15.
Mark Nicholson, Furness College’s deputy principal, said the college was looking forward to the benefits for students and the wider community.
Anyone interested in volunteering with CandoFM can email jonathan.williams@furness.ac.uk
First published at 16:15, Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Have your say
"The FM licence would allow the station to cover a 5km radius taking in Barrow and Walney." By that, I presume you mean a 3 MILE radius, as that is the measurement we use in this country.
Posted by Martin S. on 28 February 2013 at 13:27