Ridgeway Community Radio has today (8th Nov 2017) been awarded a radio licence to broadcast to Dorchester and surrounds on FM and online. The licence regulator OFCOM congratulated the group on their success.
The new radio station will broadcast from the historic Little Keep in Dorchester, home to the Arts Development Company, and plans to start broadcasting on FM during the first half of 2018 and will start their Internet Radio service from Feburary 2018.
Mike Hoskin, CEO of the The Arts Development Company said: “We are delighted to be part of the launch of this exciting new service for Dorchester. Our role is to bring organisations together for the good of the community, and we’re looking forward to launching our own arts programme on the station in the New Year.”
Andy Worth of Ridgeway Community Radio said: “It’s really exciting that we will add to the radio scene in Dorchester. Part of our job will be to go into the community to cover concerts and civic events and suchlike, so folk who can’t get out can join in. We will cover health, mental care, and other issues that concern all of us at some time. Music of all types will play it’s part, as will home grown radio drama. Anyone who would like to be a part of this wonderful opportunity to grow our community should get in touch soon so we can plan ahead. Our Little Keep office and studios are wheelchair friendly at ground level and you don’t even have to be a presenter, there are plenty of other things to do! We are looking for financial support in the form of sponsorship and donations and if anyone can help it will be most welcome.”
Further to the good news that we have been awarded the FM broadcast licence for Dorchester and surrounds, Andy has received a document that outlines Ofcom’s reasons for awarding licences to 9 community stations on November 8th. Here is the entry for Ridgeway Community Radio:
Ridgeway Community Radio 1.14 Ridgeway Community Radio is for the over-50 age group living in Dorchester and surrounding areas of West Dorset. The applicant group has its roots in a local hospital radio station, and members have considerable relevant experience, for example in radio broadcasting and engineering, journalism, fundraising and training volunteers. It has studio equipment in place, as well as some secured pre-launch funding. Ofcom considered that the applicant had demonstrated its ability to maintain the service (1a). Group members have experience of delivering a radio service to people aged over-50, catering to their tastes and interests (1b), and broadening radio choice in the area (1c). Ofcom considered that the applicant had good experience of community engagement, and has many links and partnerships in place which will help it deliver social gain to its target community (1e).