A radio station which began life after training courses through a local RNIB College is to go on the new digital radio multiplex for Surrey when it launches next year.
The team behind Redstone FM have run six temporary FM broadcasts since 2005 with most programmes presented by people who are blind or partially-sighted.
The Surrey DAB multiplex – owned by MuxCo will provide coverage throughout Surrey plus Crawley and parts of South West London. However, the station says its core editorial area will be East Surrey (the boroughs of Reigate & Banstead and Epsom & Ewell plus the Mole Valley and Tandridge Districts) and Crawley.
Redstone FM Chairman Steve Burge told RadioToday.co.uk: “After many months of quietly putting our plans in place, we are delighted to announce our plans to get Redstone FM back on the air.”
Councillor Julian Ellacott, who hosted a launch event for the plans last week said: “An active and vibrant local radio station can make a huge contribution to local communities, promoting local businesses, encouraging voluntary activities, and providing news and entertainment. Although not prime amongst its purposes, another important function of local media is to promote democracy, by helping local residents hold those in authority in the local area to account. I do wish all who are involved in Redstone FM all the very best for this project – through their past broadcasts they have established a record of providing quality local radio, which deserves a more permanent and wider audience.”
The station says one of its aims is to create opportunities for young people to present and produce radio shows for young people and it plans to launch a youth group next month. We’re told programmes will be broadcast that will include local news and information about the voluntary sector and provide a platform for local people and organisations.
