MORE than 50 people at the first meeting of the new Petersfield community radio project heard it was hoped the station would go ‘live’ in the summer.
The get-together on Saturday (January 26) in the Studio theatre at The Petersfield School (TPS) saw people of all ages learn more about the project.
ITV’s Good Morning Britain chief correspondent Richard Gaisford welcomed everybody, and then explained how his career started in local radio.
He was followed by the project’s Stephen Martin, who outlined the benefits to the town of a radio station, and set out an ambitious timeline.
Stephen said: “More than 80 people expressed an interest in the project and 30 confirmed they would be at the meeting, and around 20 new people turned up. That’s great news for the project and so typical of this town.
“It’s our intention to launch a podcast, probably in June, which will lead to an internet stream and hopefully a spot on a local DAB or FM frequency.
“It’s our ambition to be streaming content online 24/7 by the autumn.”
And after some coaching from Mr Gaisford, one of the youngest volunteers, TPS Year 8 pupil Julian Slusarczyk, interviewed one of the eldest, local author Rita Greer from Liss.
His first attempt at interviewing can be heard on the project’s website.
There is still room for anyone who feels they want to be part of the project, or believe they have some of the key skills required to take it to the next stage.
The next meeting will be held at Churcher’s College, on Saturday, March 2. For details visit the website at www.petersfieldradio.uk or contact Stephen Martin on 01730 887399.