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Time to tune in and drop out

Stuart Pike
17/ 1/2008

NORTH Manchester FM launched its temporary broadcast this week, hooking up the city's last remaining area with its own radio station - for the next four weeks, and maybe beyond.

A packed schedule of shows kicked off on 87.7FM with 'Breakfast with Peter and Anita', running through until 'The Magical Myriad' in the evening, and was celebrated with a party at the network's One Central Park HQ.

The do was attended by local dignitaries, volunteers and community groups, who heard a number of speeches, including an address by Radio Regen patron, Tony Lloyd MP.

Mr Lloyd said that community radio was an important way to "rebuild" communities and showcase the contribution of young people, often portrayed negatively in the media.

"People obviously get the national news but, of course, most do need to know and want to know what's going on at local level. The big advantage of local radio is that it's very local but it's also interactive. It allows local people to be involved on the hour every hour," he said.

Official launch personality Mary Armstrong, who was named ‘The Pride of Manchester’ at the city’s community awards for her tireless work on the Irk Valley estate, wished the project every success and said she hoped it would get a full time broadcasting licence.

Charity Radio Regen's model involves stations manned by volunteers from the broadcast areas who receive accredited training and support from a staff team. They offer several radio production courses in conjunction with MANCAT and has already gained two full time broadcasting licences for ALL FM and Wythenshawe FM as well as numerous short-term broadcast pilots.

Speaking at the launch, Radio Regen director Phil Korbel said: "Peter and Anita started it off at seven this morning and it was fantastic. The bid for the full time licence is in and we find out in February or March. We're the only area of Manchester without full time radio so we're very hopeful."

MANCAT principal Peter Tavernor said: "We're delighted to celebrate the launch of North Manchester FM.

"This follows MANCAT's hosting of an international conference on Community Radio last year, at which an African Congress spokesman gave a fascinating speech on the use of radio as a powerful vehicle for community involvement. We believe this will be the case with North Manchester FM, whereby officials from all services can be made accountable in an immediate way to residents in the local community."

Among volunteers taking to the airwaves on North Manchester 87.7FM are DJ Harry T, and Advertiser community news correspondent Eva Moffat and Golden Voices columnist Josie Loftus.