PREMISES have been found for the forthcoming restricted service licence for the Gorleston and Yarmouth FM (GY-FM) radio station.It will broadcast from a unit in the Victoria Arcade, from April 19 for 28 days.
PREMISES have been found for the forthcoming restricted service licence for the Gorleston and Yarmouth FM (GY-FM) radio station.
It will broadcast from a unit in the Victoria Arcade, from April 19 for 28 days.
At a meeting of the organising group at the Star Hotel on Tuesday, acting chairman Jean Thorpe reported there would be a promotional launch ahead of the on-air date at the Great Yarmouth Together event at the Marina Centre on March 15.
Mrs Thorpe hoped that local people would go along to the stall where the plans about the station could be explained, as well as gain an insight on what people would like to hear.”
Recently appointed station manager Malcolm James said that although April 19 was the start date the station was applying for, it remained to be approved by Ofcom.
Mrs Thorpe asked whether adequate training would be implemented before the on-air date, and technical group leader Stuart Graham said that with the station being able to start building the studio in the Victoria Arcade from February 20, training would follow as soon as feasible.
He said: “This will give us time to recruit volunteers and get training and tuition on the equipment. We have a core of experienced broadcasters who will be able to instruct as and when necessary.”
Mrs Thorpe asked if the presenters during the mainstream daytime sequences from 6am to 7pm would be competent enough to carry out the interviews, as this was essential to the professionalism of the station.
She asked Mercury reporter Alan Thompson, a former radio programme boss, for his opinion.
Mr Thompson said that any daytime sequences would have to be handled professionally and extensive training was paramount.
He said: “Someone had to give me a break and the way you say thank you, is to pass on your skills to the next generation.”
It is hoped the station will be able to apply for the full-time licence once the area has been advertised by Ofcom.
The community station will cover Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Caister and the surrounding villages on an FM frequency.
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