Voice FM gets official launch

Feb 14 2008 by Catherine Evans, Rhymney Valley Express

BUDDING radio presenters are being called upon to take to the airways and entertain the masses.

The official launch of community station Voice FM was held this week after originally starting up in the summer of 2006.

The station is currently run by more than 100 volunteers, who either play a part behind the scenes or present shows over the internet.

Caerphilly County Borough Council supported School Liaison Officer, Pc Dylan Jones, in the setting up the station which aimed to provide alternative activities for local teenagers.

Voice FM broadcast for 28 days in 2006 via a Restricted Service Licence and for a further 28 days over the 2007 summer holidays.

Over the last year more volunteers have become involved and the station has been streaming 24 hours a day over the internet since February 2007.

The station, based at Newbridge Memo, has a on-air broadcasting studio, a production studio as well as IT and education facilities.

Voice FM has received around £65,000 funding from various agencies including the Safer Caerphilly Community Safety Partnership, the Big Lottery Fund and Caerphilly Council’s Youth Grant.

Jane Hutt, the Assembly Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, officially cut the ribbon along with the Deputy Leader of Caerphilly council Gerald Jones.

Pc Dylan Jones said: “Voice FM has gone from strength to strength with increasing numbers of young people becoming involved.

“The station broadcasts pop music, local news, events, community information as well as crime prevention advice. The individuals who have helped to develop Voice FM have shown tremendous initiative and dedication in running the station.”

Voice FM are looking for volunteers of any age throughout the borough (over the age of 11) to help run the station, especially during the day when young people are in school or college.

You could either help out as a presenter or behind the scenes, whether producing items for broadcast or helping with administration.

If you would like to become involved with Voice FM, please e-mail studio@voicefm.co.uk or phone 01495 240030.

You can listen to Voice FM twenty-four hours a day via www.voicefm.co.uk