Information from Keri Jones about a proposed Shaftesbury community radio station:

I represent a group that has asked Ofcom to advertise a community radio licence for the Shaftesbury area. We are in the process of finalising our application for a not-for-profit, volunteer-run FM radio service. Alfred Radio is partnering with Shaftesbury Arts Centre, Shaftesbury Fringe, Gold Hill Museum, Shaftesbury Abbey and Shaftesbury School in this project. Earlier this month our application received the full support of Shaftesbury Town Council. We are submitting our application for the radio licence in mid-March.

A community radio station is different to commercial radio. It is important that we encourage local people to get involved in making programmes. Alfred Radio will be offering free training, giving residents the skills that they need to contribute. We want to do what we can to tackle social inclusion and rural isolation using radio. We will encourage people to take part in our programme-making using technology, such as phones and tablets, and without the need to visit our studio.

We have established the demand for a local radio service by operating the local information website ThisIsAlfred.com. This website and podcast produce daily radio-style programmes that feature local news, events and highlight the achievements of local people. It is an unpaid, voluntary initiative.

We have arranged a drop-in, open day on Saturday 16th February at Shaftesbury Arts Centre between 10am and 1pm. If anyone has views on the proposal they would be most welcome to call in.

Keri Jones

ThisIsAlfred.com