Radio Teesdale by Gina Hill (From The Northern Echo)

Radio Teesdale by Gina Hill

11:38am Monday 18th October 2010

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Radio Teesdale was given a licence to broadcast full time back in 2007 and since that has grown in popularity and diversity. It was set up as a community station by a few keen volunteers, but now boasts around forty volunteers and about the same in different shows, from heavy rock to classical music, and from jazz and folk to current chart music. Broadcasting across Teesdale, Radio Teesdale is run purely by volunteers. Some with lots of experience in the broadcasting world, other with none at all.

Alex James started as the latter in 2007 on a work experience placement.

“I don’t know how, but I was there for a week and the next thing I know I was presenting the Sunday Lunchtime Show”.

Three years later, Alex is presenting a show on the Sunderland based station, Sun FM.

“I have always wanted to work on radio, and now I feel I’m living the dream. It’s harder and harder to get onto radio so Radio Teesdale gave me the skills I needed and that valuable experience.

“I think my favourite memory of Teesdale is when I covered the Barnard Castle Christmas Light Switch On, or when I took part in the ‘Radiothon’ fundraising event”.

A Sony Radio Award, one of the radio industry’s most prestigious awards, was nominated to Lunch Time presenter Katey Wallace.

“I came to Radio Teesdale three years ago with no training or experience just with the knowledge I loved the radio.

“Since then I have gone on to present the lunchtime show every weekday. I have been fortunate enough to interview some celebrities and some lovely people. I love coming into the radio everyday as each day is different and I meet different people and hear about different local stories everyday. If it were not for Radio Teesdale I would be very boring!”

But it is not just individuals at Radio Teesdale that are making headlines. The station was presented with North East Station of the Year (under 300,000) in the Radio Academy Nations & Regions Awards in 2009.

Peter Dixon, station manager said “It is a great honour for Radio Teesdale to be selected in this way and to be representing the North East.

“Our members were thrilled to hear the news. It is a great testament to the hard work of our members and shows how community radio is having an impact in our area."

The station has also played host to television crews from major broadcasters. ITV reporter Ben Chapman visited the Radio Teesdale studios to finish of a week of filming in the Teesdale area. His reports covered how the community was coping with the heavy snowfalls over January.

Ben Chapman finished his report for the week by saying, “For me it’s appropriate that such a tight community should have its own radio station. In just one week I’ve seen the kind and generous nature of the place at its very best”.

Ian Kirkbride, presenter, got involved at Radio Teesdale through the Castle Players. He said "I enjoy contributing something to the community in which I live and hope at least, that some of them enjoy that contribution. “It has taught me that the media is insatiable and that once you've done something it needs more...and more...and more!"

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the station, whether it is by presenting a show, helping with interviews, or by taking a more background role of editing shows and finding content.

To get involved contact Peter Dixon on 01833 696750.

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