[commedia] Three Access Stations Launch

[Community Media Association (London)]

Hi Everyone
I know it's been mentioned, but here's another article.
Surely a cause for celebration.
Or are we all being a bit cautious?

Good Luck to the 3 and the 12 to come!


Access Stations Launch
============================

Three of the fifteen Radio Stations approved by the Radio Authority
for Access Radio pilot trials, have launched.

The one year trials will allow the licensed fifteen to reflect all
four of the home nations, rural and urban areas, including links with
urban regeneration projects, services for ethnic minorities in the
Asian and Afro-Caribbean communities, a wide range of age groups from
children to older people, Christian based stations, and a range of
financial models.

The three stations comprise:

Cross Rhythms City Radio - Stoke on Trent

A Christian radio station for Stoke-on-Trent, reflecting the interests
and needs of the local Christian community.

Launched: 28th February
Frequency: 101.8 MHz
Contact: Steve Perry - 01782 642 444

Angel Community Radio - Havant, Hampshire

Providing entertainment, stimulation and information of specific
relevance to persons aged 60 and above. Involvement in programme
making by the target audience is encouraged and training workshops
will be held regularly.

Launched: 1st March
Frequency: 101.1 MHz
Contact: Tony Smith - 02392 483 806

Bradford Community Broadcasting - Bradford Inner-city

This project aims to give a voice to disadvantaged communities, help
promote social inclusion and cultural understanding, as well as
giving broadcasting opportunities for local people.

Launched: 1st March
Frequency: 96.7 MHz
Contact: Mary Dowson - 01274 771 677

Chair of the Radio Authority, Richard Hooper said:

"This is a ground-breaking moment. These three stations, and the
others that will soon follow them onto the airwaves, represent a
pioneering experiment in not-for-profit radio. If successful, it
could lead to a new tier of stations across the UK, finding new ways
of harnessing the medium to serve local communities. As so often in
the past, radio can demonstrate once again its ability to innovate to
meet changing public needs while sustaining the best of its current
and traditional offerings."

from
THE RADIO NEWSLETTER 08/03/02