DIGITAL radio came to Petersfield at midday last Saturday with the launch of the town’s 24-hour internet service Shine Radio.

Shine Radio is the next step for Petersfield Community Radio, which has produced podcasts and online audio content for more than 18 months.

Available on any device connected to the internet, it promises ‘a brighter mix of great music’ along with local information, interviews and a ‘friendly voice’.

It is available as an online stream at shineradio.uk and aimed at residents of Petersfield and its surrounding

villages.

During lockdown the team produced a weekday news podcast with updates on support, closures and how people could help others.

More than 100 editions of Morning Report were scripted, presented, recorded and edited at volunteers’ homes and listening figures topped 19,000.

Almost 100 people were interviewed, with features including a hospital wedding and an 11-year-old fundraiser who climbed the equivalent of Ben Nevis on her staircase.

Co-founder and resident Richard Gaisford, chief correspondent on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, said: “A few of us felt Petersfield deserved its own radio station.

“The area has a lot going on and is bursting with talented, interesting people – but we always seem to be on the edge of coverage zones for existing ‘local’ radio stations.

“The launch of Petersfield’s Shine Radio, as a 24/7 online stream, is the third major step along the road to our ultimate aim of a DAB licence. Step one was creating a volunteer, not-for-profit organisation; step two was the launch of our podcast, the P pod, which has become a popular favourite with listeners. This is true local radio: produced locally, discussing local topics and presented by local people.”

Fellow co-founder Stephen Martin, a radio professional for more than 30 years, said: “We’d like to thank all our volunteers, and the businesses in the town that have welcomed us with open arms.

“We hope, in return, our support has helped them survive and, hopefully, prosper in what have been difficult commercial times.”

Shine’s programmes include the Brighter Minds Quiz, with teacher Ian Crossman, on Saturday and Sunday nights, and a book show with author Suzie Wilde.

The station welcomes volunteers, particularly in production, editing and marketing, sponsors and advertisers. For more details, call Stephen Martin or Kate Fairweather on 01730 555500, email [email protected] or visit shineradio.uk