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Welcome to the fourth edition of Connect, the magazine focused on the Community Radio sector.
We apologise for the slight delay in issuing this edition, due to delays with the organising of our National Conference and Community Radio Awards, we had to hold off on distributing this edition until details were confirmed.
We are now delighted to announced the Conference and Awards will take place on Saturday 19th November 2022 in Bedford.
We hope you'll be able to join us for a day of learning, sharing ideas, networking and of course celebrating the best of Community Radio here in the UK
This edition includes details of the finalists in the 2022 Community Radio Awards, details of our National Conference, plus a look back on the last couple of months of Community Radio news.
As always, if you have any stories to share - please email hello@ukcrn.radio
As the UKCRN approches its first year since forming as a Community Interest Company, we reflect on the last year, our achievements and plans for the future.
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The latest on the UKCRN Conference in Bedford, including more speakers added to the line-up
6 News in Short
Including Will Harding joining Ofcom board as Non-executive director, Alan Steward joining Ofcom Community Radio Fund Panel, Local Radio Day Plans, New Names for Burgess Hill and Youthcomm Radio, Good Causes benefiting from North Devon Community Lottery and much more.
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The finalists have been announced for the seventh Community Radio Awards, set to take place in Bedford on 19th November
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Ahead of the next round of the Community Radio Fund opening in November, we share guidance from the regulator to help you create the best application for your station.
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Bristol's SWU FM has closed, due to "massive" hikes in maintenance costs.
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The latest on the roll-out of Small Scale DAB, from Ofcom and we look ahead to round five in 2023
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Watch out for extra costs when renewing your insurance
UKCRN supporter J L Morris, share their tips for when your stations insurance next comes up for renewal.
Switch Radio 107.5's drive presenter shares his experience of hosting the Commonwealth Games Badmington in Birmingham, earlier this year
Connect Magazine exists to promote, celebrate and inspire Community Radio, right across the United Kingdom.
Whether you have a story to share about your station, have launched a new project, expanded your reach or found new ways to connect with your community, then we'd love to hear from you.
If you're not confident writing about your station, we'd still like to hear from you. Our team of volunteers can help to share your story, we'll even help you produce a press release to shout about your work within your local area, with no charge.
Submit your stories, along with an image to hello@ukcrn.radio to be featured in a future edition of Connect Magazine.
Deadline: 30th November 2022
Saturday 19th November 2022
Join the UKCRN for our second national conference, at Kings House Conference Centre in Bedford. The event promises to shine a light on the sector, provide networking opportunities and a chance to learn from others working at stations right across the UK
Find out more at ukcommunity radio/conference
Saturday 19th November 2022
Following the Conference, celebrate the best of the sector as the winners of the 2022 Community Radio Awards are announced
Monday 28th November
Radio Tech Con 2022
Radio TechCon is aimed at broadcast engineers, technologists and anyone with an interest in radio, audio, technology and engineering –including programme-makers and managers It takes a deep dive into the technical challenges and opportunities facing the radio and audio industry, as well as celebrating technical achievements and remaining as accessible as possible to all
Tickets via radiotechcon com
A previously postponed event, due to the passing of HM The Queen, the Wales Branch invites Radio Academy members for a tour of the new BBC Cymru Wales Headquarters in Cardiff, followed by drinks at Boom Battle Bar. Details via radioacademy.org
It’s been a busy couple of months with the UKCRN, mainly planning for our national conference set to take place in November, details of which are further on in this magazine
We had planned to organise more regional events over the past couple of months, but unfortunately we realised that trying to organise bi-monthly events, national conference, our normal UKCRN activity of supporting stations and representing them as well as our own stations was a bit too much to juggle However, we are still planning to continue the regional events early in 2023 and hope to announce more soon
We’ve also recently met with Ofcom, which was good to put concerns of stations and the sector to them, we discussed SSDAB, and talked through some recent compliance issues that stations had faced (Key commitments, recording output) One big point they have asked us to let stations know is that if any
stations are having problems keeping to their key commitments then to let Ofcom know so they can look to resolve the situation, and that they want to work with stations.
The UK Community Radio Network is also here to help stations, so if you need any help or advice do get in touch with us on hello@ukcrn.radio, especially if you want to change your key commitments, easy & simple change is move from daily hours commitment to weekly, and also review if your target is achievable, it’s better to over deliver than underperform!
It’s also been a year since the official formation of the UK Community Radio Network, so we find ourselves in a period of reflection and consideration on what we want to achieve over the next 12 months. We’re proud of what we’ve done in that time, the continuation of our managers/peer support and networking meetings, individual support of stations on a variety of
issues, last years national conference, the launch of this magazine, the launch of our regional events, giving evidence to the DCMS Select Committee, as well as meetings with Ofcom and the DCMS
However, we want your feedback and we’ve created this form here:
https://ukcrn.radio/feedback
We want to know if you’ve benefitted from the UKCRN, if you’ve attended our meetings, received email or phone support, or support from our managers Facebook groups.
We are also looking ahead to the next 12 months, and want to know what the pressing needs for your station are, and what you think are the priority of the sector are, we’ve also got this survey here:
https://ukcrn.radio/futuresurvey
Please do fill in, but also please feel free to email us on hello@ukcrn radio
The UK Community Radio Network has announced the full line-up of speakers for its National Connecting Communities Radio Conference at Kings House Conference Centre in Bedford, on Saturday 19th November
The event follows the sell-out Community Radio Conference in 2021 and focuses on those with a background or working in the industry, sharing their stories, learnings and ideas with the sector.
Although focused on Community Radio, the conference welcomes anyone who is interested in radio, from local radio, BBC, Commercial, Hospital, Student or even internet radio.
The UKCRN is pleased to announce that LBC presenter and author Iain Dale will be appearing at the conference. Iain recently spoke at The Centre for Social Justice fringe event, about the importance of radio, including the role Community
Radio plays, to people who feel isolated - something which the event will explore during the day. Iain will also talk about his time at LBC, as well as signing copies of his books
He joins a line-up including Executive Editor of BBC Radio West Midlands, Patrick Hart, who was previous Chief Executive Officer at Bristol community station BCfm Radio.
The Radio Academy Trustee Will Jackson will talk about the role of the charity and how its working to continue to celebrate the Community Radio industry.
Other guests include Talk TV Producer Gabriella Inalza, who will offer advice onto avenues into the wider industry, whilst a number of Community Radio producers and presenters, will share stories from their stations through a number of sessions.
These include, Spark FM's Megan Hayward, The Voice North Devon's Jim Trevelyan, Leona
Fensom, K107's Alex Airnes, Erewash Sound's Jeff Martin and many others
The day will also focus on the role of Community Radio in providing opportunities for those looking to make their mark in the wider industry, whilst also focusing on what the future of Community Radio could look like
UK Community Radio Network cofounder Nathan Spackman said, “We are delighted with our Conference line-up, with so many people giving up their time to share their love of the Community Radio sector and its future.”
"We are grateful to our sponsors who have helped us to keep the conference affordable for everyone and hope those who will attend will come away with ideas and relationships, which will continue to grow their stations back home."
Tickets are available to purchase via ukcommunity.radio/conference
Will has almost 30 years’ experience in the media industry He started his career as a management consultant with KPMG, before spending five years at BBC Worldwide (now BBC Studios) where he worked across the BBC’s commercial and international operations
He later helped to launch ask.com in the UK before moving to Sky, where he became Commercial and Operations Director of its new media business. He joined GCap Media plc in 2006 as Group Strategy Director.
Following Global Media & Entertainment Ltd’s acquisition of GCap Media in 2008, he was appointed Global’s Chief Strategy Officer and joined the main Global board. During his time at Global, Will was responsible for establishing the Global Academy, a state school for young people from all backgrounds wanting to start a career in the creative industries. Will stood down from the Global Media and Entertainment Ltd board in December 2020
Following his appointment, Will said "I'm delighted to be joining the Ofcom Board There has never been a more important time to ensure that our media sector remain vibrant and competitive, delivering UK content that viewers and listeners can trust."
Ofcom has announced the appointment of Alan Stewart to the Community Radio Fund Panel, after it advertised the role earlier this year
Alan joined the Panel as an observer on 1st October 2022, with his appointment running until 31st March 2026
Alan has considerable experience of broadcasting regulation and more recently of running communitybased charities
He was Head of the Independent Television Commission in Scotland before moving into the Office of Communications at the end of 2003 as Head of Broadcasting for Scotland He was responsible for relations with broadcasters, including community radio licensees.
After leaving full time employment with Ofcom in 2018, he served a term as an independent director of his local community trust and is currently board member of an environmental charity.
He also has an interest in minority language provision having taken forward Ofcom’s statutory responsibilities for Gaelic broadcasting then later carrying out consultancy work in a related area.
The finalists have been announced for the 2022 Community Radio Awards, set to be held in Bedford.
The awards, which have been running for seven years, celebrate community radio and all the hard work and time that the volunteers involved in community radio put into their stations, shows and communities
Following the announcement of the Awards, Chair Martin Steers said “It’s been another great year for Community Radio across the UK, and as ever it’s been a big challenge for our judges from across the industry as the quality of entries are better than ever, a real testament to all that Community Radio stations do in their areas.”
Find out more about the 2022 finalists on page 13
The seventh Local Radio Day, an annual celebration of the UK's local radio industry took place on Friday 21st October.
This year, the celebration was themed "Celebrating the Sound" as it showcased the best of local radio and the efforts made to engage listeners and strengthen the communities it serves.
As part of the day, organisers have launched a month-long pop-up station, named 'Sound Radio UK' featuring audio from local radio stations across the UK.
Five-minute compilations representing the stations that participate will feature on a 24/7 stream on the Local Radio Day website.
In 2021, over 250 radio stations including all BBC local stations were a part of the day. This year, the ‘Celebrating the Sound’ theme was supported by the Community Media Association, The Radio Academy, Local Radio Support and RadioToday as well as local radio stations across the UK
ToneFM has partnered with the Somerset County Gazette to provide local news on-air and on its website. Through the collaboration, the County Gazette will now supply the station’s online news at tonefm co uk, and through the station’s online social channels.
Alongside this, there will also be a new fortnightly on-air contribution feature to keep listeners up to date with a host of specialised local news stories. In return, ToneFM will now also become a regular featured partner within the newspaper, and will have a presence in the weekly printed edition.
Station Director of ToneFM, Patch Jobson said: “One of our biggest aims has been, and always will be, to ensure we can provide the best local information and news to our listeners. With this new partnership in place, this will give us the best solution to ensure we are delivering on our promises as Taunton’s Community Radio Station to keep everyone as up to date as possible with the news in the county town.”
Community radio station Burgess Hill Radio has rebranded to Mid Sussex Radio
The station, based in Burgess Hill, has been broadcasting to most of Mid Sussex since October 2018 on 103 8FM and station bosses say the change of name better reflects the area they cover
Programme Director Steve Bird said: “The sound of the station won’t change, apart from some new jingles, because our listeners tell us that they like our current mix of music, they like our presenters and they don’t want us to change.”
The station will continue to broadcast on 103 8FM and will still be available through smart devices and via its website at midsussexradio.co.uk.
Worcester Community radio station Youthcomm has relaunched with an old name but new faces as the original broadcasters pass on the torch.
The original Radio Wyvern, named after the River Wye and River Severn, started broadcasting 40 years ago but became Free Radio in 2012.
On October 4th, the 40th anniversary of its launch, Youthcomm Radio will made way for the new service
For one day only, the original Radio Wyvern broadcasters Sammy Southall, 67, Mike George, 77, and Rob Yarnold, 81, returned to the studio to welcome the station's return and to pass the torch along to 21-yearold Owen Lowe.
The new team now owns the trademark for the service and has the blessing to use the name from Bauer
Six young people in the Vale of Glamorgan have spent a portion of their summer holidays learning about the world of radio, thanks to funding from the Welsh Government and Vale of Glamorgan Council.
The Summer of Fun, provides funding to local organisations to deliver free courses to young people, with a focus on families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
Bro Radio ran four courses, from its studios in Barry and Llantwit Major, which saw participants learn about the role of Community Radio, using a studio, producing and presenting radio programmes.
The programmes were aired on its sister station Bro Radio Xtra, with a number of participants being invited back to present programmes on the main station during October half-term.
£2,240 FROM ST JOHN'S HOSPICE MOONLIGHT
Beyond Radio volunteer Mateo Sanderson and his team of supporters have raised £2,240 for St John's Hospice after completing the recent Moonlight Walk Mateo took part in the last ever Moonlight Walk in June, alongside friends and family.
The host of the Beyond Mateo Show finished the whole route of nine miles in two hours and 36 minutes, was the first wheelchair user to finish the walk, and was in the top 50 of the 500 who took part.
Lauren, who is Digital Fundraising Lead at the Slyne Road Hospice, said: "Mateo has been an excellent supporter of the hospice over the past few years and we were so pleased that he and his team were able to join us for the last Moonlight Walk "
St John's Hospice provides free palliative care to patients with life shortening conditions.
Four worthy North Devon causes have been presented with cheques for £1,000 each The Voice, North Devon’s community radio station launched its own lottery in January and so far, has given over £5,000 worth of prizes to people in the region
In addition to this The Voice has just distributed £1,000 between four causes with the aim to give another £1,000 away before the end of the year via there grant applications Those receiving needed funds were Apple Tree Services, Family Compass, Bideford and District Community Archive and Chittlehampton Parish Council.
Jim Trevelyan, operations director said: "We had over 50 applications, so it’s clear the need is there for supporting local good causes. We have plenty of exciting new projects for North Devon coming soon, including an academy to help people with training needs Our aim is to be part of the fabric of North Devon, radio is only one part of that.”
We look forward to celebrating all of your achievements in Bedford on 19th November Ticket are on sale via
The finalists for the 2022 Community Radio Awards have been announced
Running for seven years, the Awards have been setup to celebrate community radio and all the hard work and time that the volunteers involved in community radio put into their stations, shows and communities.
The awards are a judge led process, with judges drawn from the community radio sector, academics, other radio / associated areas and the 3rd sector
The awards are run not for profit completely independent of any organisation or association, run by a team of volunteers with experience of radio in all forms and sectors from Student, Community to the BBC and Commercial.
Martin Steers, Awards Chair, said: “It’s been another great year for Community Radio across the UK, and as ever it’s been a big challenge for our judges from across the industry as the quality of entries are better than ever, a real testament to all that Community Radio stations do in their areas ”
“We are excited to be working again with the UK Community Radio Network and look forward to hosting the awards after their conference, and the awards would not be possible without the support of the sector, our judges, all the stations and volunteers who enter, and our sponsors helping keep the awards and ceremony accessible costs wise.
The 2022 Community Radio Awards finalists are
Community Development Project of the Year
Sponsored by UKCRN
OLDER VOICES – ALL FM
Women’s Voices – ALL FM
Ukraine Community Appeal – Sheppey FM 92 2
The 4Ps Radio Training School for Young people –
Vectis Radio
The 4Ps Radio Training School for Adults with Learning Difficulties – Vectis Radio
Station of the Year Sponsored by PlayoutOne
Black Country Radio
Heartland FM
Spark
Switch Radio
Vectis Radio
Female Presenter of the Year
Cecilia Ramos – ALL FM
Rupa Mooker – Awaz FM
Leigh Chambers – Cambridge 105 Radio
Dr Audrey Tang – NLive Radio
Gina Mills – Radio Skye
Male Presenter of the Year
Neil Kefford – Academy FM Thanet
Matt Webb – Cambridge 105 Radio
Jonathan Baker – Ipswich Community Radio
Connor Morgans – Radio Cardiff
Stephen Higgs – Switch Radio
Community Show of the Year
Wrexham Remembers – Remembrance Day 2021 –
Calon FM
A Tribute to Allan Brigham – Cambridge 105 Radio
All About Frome – Frome FM
A Space to Speak Your Mind – SourceFM
The Short Breaks Show – Vectis Radio
Live Event or Outside Broadcast of the Year –
Sponsored by In:Quality
The Barry Island Festival of Food – Bro Radio
Iron To Iron – Erewash Sound
Marlow Town Regatta and Festival – Marlow FM
Hustings 2022 – Radio Skye
Vanarama National League Playoff Final – Switch
Radio
Entertainment Show of the Year
Paul James – Academy FM Thanet
Rupa Mooker – Awaz FM
Natasha Reneaux – BFBS ALDERSHOT
We Are Young – Erewash Sound
Currently Country – K107fm
Speech & Journalism of the Year
One Love One Planet – BCfm Radio
All change on Huntingdonshire District Council –
Black Cat Radio
Friday Night Clive (Clive Payne) – Black Country Radio
Fighting Fear With Hope – Radio LaB 97.1FM
West Kent Radio News feature – Ukraine Refugee
Support Group – West Kent Radio
Arts & Creative Radio of the Year
The Easts – Cambridge 105 Radio
Untitled – Pantomime 2021 – Chelmsford Community
Radio
Hills Are Alive – Spark
Be the Sea – Spark
The Signalman – Andrew Birt – Purbeck Coast FM
Specialist Music Show of the Year
The Letty Rock Show – K107fm
Saltire Indie Rock Show – Paisley FM 107 5
Wake Up to the Weekend with Connor Morgans –
Radio Cardiff
Priya Matharu – Switch Radio
Dirty Dancefloors – Switch Radio
Sports Show of the Year
Black Country Saturday Sports Show – Black Country
Radio
Saturday Sports Show – Twitter Spaces – K107fm
Radio Plus Sports Show – Coventry United Ladies
Coverage – Radio Plus Coventry
Skye Spòrs – Radio Skye
The Radio Verulam Local Football Show – Radio
Verulam
Volunteer of the Year
Tom Walker – Black Country Radio
Robin Zhang – Radio Cardiff
Mark Draper – Sheppey FM 92 2
Ron Leleux – Vectis Radio
Maggie Currie – Vectis Radio
Young Person of the Year (under 25)
Daisy Barker – Chelmsford Community Radio
Amelia Salmons – Erewash Sound
Toby Crabb – Radio LaB 97 1FM
Luke Eveling – Radio Skye
Megan Hayward – Spark
Sage Person (Over 60)
Craig Mitchell – K107fm
John Murray – K107fm
John Rumble – Marlow FM
Jim Campbell – Radio Skye
Kelvin Milton Currie – Vectis Radio
Newcomer of the Year – Sponsored by The Radio Hub
Andrew Pitney – 106.9SFM
Chloe Monaghan – Bro Radio
Jenna Cockburn – Radio Saltire
John Reid-Hansen – Red Kite Radio
Anna Gillingham-Sutton – Sheppey FM 92.2
Innovation Award – Sponsored by Hippynet
ECHO@ALLFM – ALL FM
Twitter Spaces for the Saturday Sports Show –
K107fm
Phoenix FM’s Night Shift – Phoenix FM – Halifax
Falmouth to Falmouth – SourceFM
The 4ps Training School for young people – Vectis Radio
Podcast – Sponsored by AutoPod
The Ask the Regulator Podcast – Bro Radio
Self Injury Support – Gentle Activism
Dogs with Jobs – Petersfield’s Shine Radio
The Shine Radio Recipe with Noni Needs –
Petersfield’s Shine Radio
Switch Radio’s Women’s Football Podcast – Switch Radio
Digital or RSL Station Of The Year
Avondale Radio
Petersfield’s Shine Radio
Poppyland Radio
Radio Ysbyty Gwynedd
River Radio Ni
Covid and Community Rebuild
Covid and Community Rebuild – Awaaz FM
#MercatMarriage – K107fm
Tommyfield Live – Oldham Community Radio 99 7FM
#CovidConversations – Radio LaB 97.1FM
Think on Our feet – Vectis Radio
The next round of the Community Radio Fund is due to open in November
During the last round, 18 applicants were awarded grants which totalled £242,395.
At the time of print, its not clear how much funding will be available in the second round of the 2022-23 financial year, however following round one, the Panel provided some notes to help people in future funding rounds.
Although the Panel does not provide individual feedback, verbal feedback is available should stations wish to contact Ofcom. The Panel would strongly recommend that stations request feedback if they resubmit proposals for the same post or project in the future.
Issues of note arising from the Panel meeting on Wednesday 13 July 2022:
A small number of stations requested grants for items such as volunteer expenses, capital expenditure and marketing costs although the guidance made it clear that the Fund does not support these requests.
The Panel makes decisions based upon the evidence provided by each applicant. A small number of stations provided very little information to support their application and as a result, they were unsuccessful.
The Panel would also welcome information about how stations intend to measure success. For instance, applicants requesting funding for advertising sales posts should set out the likely revenue they anticipate generating through advertising sales.
Applicants should supply the requested supporting information, such as relevant financial
information or a job description if applying for funding for a post. Applicants should refer to the guidance notes for further detail on what should be provided.
Some stations specified high salaries for full-time fundraising positions which were disproportionate to the station’s income and were unlikely to be sustainable beyond the grant period. Conversely, some stations specified very low salaries with modest hours and the Panel was mindful of feedback from previous applicants that they sometimes struggled to attract candidates to the role when the salary was too modest.
The Panel welcomed applications in this round from stations who were attempting to pursue new forms of revenue generation such as digital marketing packages. It was also pleased to provide funding for a survey which aims to demonstrate the impact and value of community
radio; the Panel felt this would be a valuable resource for the whole sector in providing information for potential advertisers, sponsors and partners
The Panel favoured applications for posts whose job descriptions showed focus Unsuccessful applications included those where the post-holder had a huge range of responsibilities including volunteer management, programming and even presenting daily programmes, alongside revenue development These were often applications for Station Manager Posts.
The Panel was unlikely to favour such applications because the post-holder was unlikely to devote sufficient time to income generation, therefore making the investment unsustainable. A small number of stations submitted confusing applications suggesting that posts could be split in two or combined with other roles. These applications were unsuccessful as it was not clear what the Fund would be supporting.
Applicants continue to state that roles can be awarded to selfemployed contractors who invoice on a monthly basis. The panel does not directly employ those who are awarded funding,
so it is not within its remit to decide whether post-holders are selfemployed for tax purposes. The Panel reminds applicants that HMRC rules have changed regarding off-payroll working. Should applicants be found in breach of off-payroll rules, the Fund is not liable to make up any shortfall due to repayment of Income Tax or National Insurance Contributions. Full guidance for future applicants is available on the GOV.UK website.
Full details of the Ofcom Community Radio fund, guidance notes and previous awards can be found via the Community Radio Fund page at ofcom.org.uk
An underground radio station in Bristol has closed due to "massive" hikes in maintenance costs
SWU FM launched back in October 2022 as a youth-led community radio station with a focus on Bristol's dance music scene
It announced on 31 August via social media that it would cease broadcasting and closed the following day.
In a statement, management said "SWU launched in the middle of the Covid-19 outbreak and took heavy financial losses in this period. Against the odds we managed to survive various lockdowns, navigate restrictions
and stabilise"
" However, recent risings costs and massive energy bill increases have made it impossible for us to continue "
"We want to thank you all for your contributions and support enabling us to create 23 months of great radio."
Well-known DJs such as Eats Everything presented regularly on SWU with guests including Fat Boy Slim and DJ Zinc popping by for interviews.
Bristol's night-time economy advisor said she was "devastated", calling the station "an essential hub for Bristol-born dance music" and "a lifeline for the music
"It brought so many people together from across the music spectrum," Carly Heath added.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues, the UK Community Radio Network is inviting stations who are struggling to email via hello@ukcrn.radio, as it looks to understand the impact on the sector and sign post to local or national support available, to support stations during this difficult time.
Managers are also reminded of our monthly meetings, where the sector can come together, share ideas and support each other.
As of 17/10/22 Ofcom has confirmed to the UK Community Radio Network that 12 SSDAB Muxs are on air across the UK
The regulator has said that many Mux operators are leaving it to the last minute to get going, with the 18 month deadline set being a hard deadline
This deadline includes multisites, with all sites included on approved technical plans needing to be on air before the 18 month deadline
In the latest update, Ofcom granted four more licenses to operate SSDAB multiplexes in round 3 of the awards in Oxford, Taunton, West Hull and York
Applications for 32 license areas, together known as the South East of England 'macro area' will constitute the fifth round of licensing, which Ofcom plans to advertise in 2023
The following areas fall within the Macro area:
Alton, Petersfield & Haslemere
Ashford & Dungeness
Biggleswade & North Hertford
Brighton
Canterbury
Central Suffolk
Chelmsford
Colchester & Clacton
Eastbourne, Newhaven & Lewes
Great Yarmouth & Lowestoft
Guildford & Woking
Harlow
Hastings
Haverhill
Haywards Heath & Uckfield
Ipswich & Felixstowe
Luton
Maidstone, Tonbridge & Tunbridge
Margate, Dover & Folkestone
North East London & South West
Essex
North London
North Sussex & Reigate
Portsmouth
Reading
South East London & North East
Kent
Sittingbourne & the Medway
Towns
South Buckinghamshire
South Hertfordshire
South London
South West Sussex
Southend
West London
South East England will be the second ‘macro area’ to be advertised by Ofcom in our programme of small-scale multiplex licensing. ‘Macro areas’ are regions of the UK where there will be insufficient spectrum available to enable us to make licence awards to all of the identified licence areas (as listed above). Spectrum availability will be especially limited in coastal areas.
Further information on the rollout of SSDAB, along with details of the licences which Ofcom has awarded can be found via ofcom.org.uk
Once you have received the formal written quotation and premium for your insurances –and this could be your community radio station insurances or any other commercial or domestic insurances – watch out for additional fees!
For an identical policy with identical cover from the same insurer the premium should be the same wherever you choose to acquire your insurance
The difference in overall cost could be because of:
The Broker’s fee
The interest or service charge if you are paying monthly
Different Brokers charge different fees for a new policy, renewal, making a change during the term of the policy, and cancellation. Be very warned as some of these fees can be disproportionate to the premium, and not reflect the work carried out. There are also
earnings from commission based on the premium. As a guide, J L Morris (Insurance Brokers) Limited charge £10 00 for a new policy, £10.00 for the renewal - and no other fees.
Some insurance intermediaries and Insurance Brokers will promote only ‘their’ premium instalment arrangement from which they will earn money. A larger number of insurers are now providing interest free instalments (subject to status) so if you wish to spread the cost, ask your Broker about the insurer’s own facility and the interest / service charge.
And now for something completely different! You may have seen the news about Thornbury FM being received in Finland, a distance of over 1,000 miles.
Long-distance FM, and to a lesser extent DAB, occurs most frequently during the summer months and is usually associated with high pressure weather. The description used is Sporadic or tropospheric depending on how
the signal reaches you.
During this summer DXers – longdistance radio listeners and enthusiasts - have heard in the UK stations from Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Estonia, Sweden, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia and closer to home France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. You do not need expensive or clever equipment. An easy test is to tune your car radio to 87.5, 87.6, 87.7, 87.8 or 87.9 MHz. Other than RSLs you will not hear any UK stations on these frequencies.
Car radios are often better for FM DXing as they often have better selectivity – in other words, a strong station on an adjacent frequency will not be heard on the frequency in which you are interested – and with RDS (Radio Data System) it is easy to identify the station being heard even if the language is unfamiliar.
David J Morris ACII Chartered Insurance Broker J L Morris (Insurance Brokers) Limited- 01202 642840
From the moment that Birmingham was awarded the Commonwealth games when Durban had to default, I knew that I wanted to be involved in some capacity.
Ideally, a stadium announcer! I’d had a little bit of experience about 20 years ago in announcing at some European Cup games for the Cardiff Blues at the iconic Arms Park, but nothing on this level.
And so I applied to the Sports Presentation department running the Games, with a one minute video piece, and a provided script.
Out of the thousands of applications, I was invited for an interview, then another audition, and then a further interview and final audition. Then was offered the role of Show Court announcer for the Badminton at the NEC!
Initially I thought it would just be an opportunity to announce one
match, but it soon became clear that I would be announcing every match, and every player on the Show Court for the duration of the 11 days of competition. The role is described as “The Voice Of God”!
I’d be sat on the TV production gallery, with full talkback, TV broadcasts countdown and just feet from the court with a live audience of four thousand people every night, and a television audience of hundreds of millions!
And so with a day and a half of familiarising with the equipment, and sound checking I started what would be one of the greatest experiences I would ever have. Announcing some of the best players on the planet onto court, current and former world champions, and of course announcing the host nation England onto court, which as a Welshman I did without any bias!
It was incredibly hard work. I had written little player biographies to introduce the crowd to the players they were watching, but also to
create a memorable moment for the players, and their families to remind them just what they had achieved in their careers, and to have them seek me out to thank me for doing that made my games!
My introduction of PV Sindu, the former World Champion and India’s biggest female athlete went viral with millions of re-tweets from her fans! I met some incredible people, learnt a lot, dealt with deadline pressure, compared the medal ceremonies which is the most stress I’ve ever encountered, and more importantly managed to pronounce every name from Satwiksairaj Rankireddy,
Thinaah Muralitharan and Ng Tze Yong correctly and confidently!
The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has given me an experience I will remember for the rest of my life!
