Big plans if bid for FM licence is successful
Some of the Koast Radio team, including Newcastle United legend Malcolm Macdonald, who have applied for a full-time FM licence as they prepare to set up in Ashington.
A THIRD community radio station in the county is hoping to secure a full-time FM licence after submitting its bid.
Koast Radio has been streaming via its website since May 2011, with officials now feeling the time is right to make the move to FM airwaves.
The future is looking bright for the radio station, which is planning a move to a new base in Ashington town centre.
Station manager Vicky Oakley said they had been working with groups in Ashington to give a community feel to the station.
“Community radio has to be focused on the community,” she said.
“Last summer we were out every weekend to various events in the community.”
Koast Radio is moving from Longhirst Hall on the outskirts of Morpeth to the YMCA building in Ashington town centre in the first week of February.
Vicky added: “Ashington really needs a community radio station. There have been some great people come from the town including the Charlton brothers, Jackie Milburn and Steve Harmison.
“We represent the views of people in Ashington. That’s what we intend to do on a much bigger scale should we get the FM licence.”
She added: “We’re doing some really great work. We hope we’ve done enough to secure the FM licence.
“We’ve got some great people on board, with 35 volunteers helping out and we’re always open to more joining us.
“If we don’t get this licence, we’ll have to wait five years before re-applying.”
The station also played a key role in getting the Three Legends – ex-players Malcolm Macdonald (Newcastle United), Bernie Slavin (Middlesbrough) and Micky Horswill (Sunderland) – back on air after being axed by another radio station.
Koast Radio broadcasts 24-hours a day, with live shows from 7am to 11pm. To listen visit www.koastradio.co.uk
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Tuesday 21 May 2013
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