Volunteer-run Bedford Radio has been granted a licence to broadcast on FM across Bedford this July.
They will be broadcasting live from this year’s Bedford River Festival and Bedfringe and listeners can tune in at 87.8 FM, as well as online, on the TuneIn app or using a smart speaker.
Station manager, Martin Steers says it will be “genuine local radio for Bedford” and is looking for residents to put themselves forward as presenters.
“We want to hear from anyone in Bedford who has a passion and wants to share it. Our pop-up station this July is perfect for one-off shows, or as the launch pad for an ongoing series,” he said.
“Our training programme for volunteers is already underway, but there is still time for more people to take part. This can be on-air, or behind the scenes with support at events or with the organisation of the station.”
As well as outside broadcasts from Bedford’s key summer events, the station aims to showcase the full diversity of Bedford’s communities.
“There’s so much happening in our community, we really hope people will want to share their enthusiasm and spread the word on Bedford Radio,” said Martin.
“This must be the most exciting community-based initiative in the town for years, and we can’t wait to work with people from across Bedford.”
Bedford Radio will also be offering a full range of music programming, with a mix of popular favourites throughout the day, and the opportunity for people to share their interests in specialist music shows.
The July FM broadcast will be the first step toward a permanent presence on the airwaves over Bedford: the plan is to launch on small-scale DAB (digital radio) in 2023.
A schedule of programmes will continue online after July up to the launch on DAB, so listeners who get the Bedford Radio bug will be able to keep listening.
