New radio license for Tynedale FM

Although at the time there was talk of applying for a five-year licence in the spring, the station has now received a renewed month-long licence, which began on Saturday and will run until July 24.

Stuart Ferrol, from Tynedale FM, said: "We've got lots of great programmes planned, including coverage of the charity bike ride by Guy Opperman.

"We're trying to get Ofcom to give us a licence, and they've given us this month-long one to see how we go. The last one went really well.

"We're the only people [broadcasting] in Tynedale so we're pretty confident they'll give us one."

Since its last successful month-long licence, Tynedale FM has continued broadcasting over the internet, with a loyal band of listeners regularly logging on to the service.

But now a new licence has been granted, the indications are good that the station will get back on the air to provide what the organisers feel is a need for an ultra-local radio station.

To celebrate the new licence, Tynedale FM held a launch at the weekend in Hexham, with bands, entertainers and helium balloons promoting it - and the reaction from the potential audience was good.

Director of Tynedale FM Hilary Carter said: "It's opening up Tynedale. The launch was very positive. We were asking what people wanted to hear and they want local issues like the hospital system and the Citizens Advice Bureau. They want to know what's going on in the area. It has to be local for people to tune in so we need more information about what's going on in Tynedale.

"I hope it shows Ofcom that we're serious and that there is a need for community radio in the Tyne Valley, and how popular this restricted service licence is. So we want people to let us know what they think."

The station is becoming more like a permanent fixture since getting its own equipment. Previously it used equipment on loan from Prudhoe High School, but thanks to an Awards for All grant last year, a new studio was installed at the weekend. The presenters are now being retrained to use the new equipment.

listen live through Tynedalefm.org