Broadcasting from the main (Upper Dale) Transmitter
Plans are being finalised to enable us to erect what will become our main transmitter and aerial. We are now hopeful that the work will be completed before the end of the year. When the equipment has been commissioned we will then also broadcast from a site near Romaldkirk on frequency 102.1FM. Our frequencies will then be advertised as, “Broadcasting on 102.1 and 105.5 FM.” Leaflets and car stickers have been produced and will be circulated as soon as we go on air. As soon as a date is confirmed we will let you know.
Christmas on Radio Teesdale
A Christmas Schedule (Saturday 22/12/7 to Tuesday 1/1/8) is currently being drafted. If you would like to add a special programme to the schedule then please let Peter Dixon know.
All the recorded programmes that are to broadcast over the Christmas week will need to be recorded by Friday 21/12/7 to enable them to be included in the QNXT schedule. This is only 3 weeks away so please make sure you book studio time to do the recordings! Marianne Dixon has compiled a list of every Christmas number one in the last 50 years. Everyone is on the Myriad cart wall. A list is available in the office.
Christmas “Outside Broadcasts” and Radio Teesdale stands
Radio Teesdale is going to have a presence at several community events in the next few weeks. All members are very much welcome to come along support in whatever way they can:
• Switch on of the Barnard Castle Christmas Tree lights – 6.30pm Friday 30th November. Katey Wallace is introducing the event and acting as compere. The action starts at 6.30pm down by the Post Office in Barnard Castle. The Barnard Castle Town Crier will be presenting the Drive Time Show from 5.00pm until 6.00pm and interviewing organisers of the Barnard Castle late night shopping. During the What’s On show we will be talking to late night shop keepers and from the Witham Hall Christmas event. Radio Teesdale bringing three Barnard Castle community events together!
• Switch on of the Middleton in Teesdale lights – Sunday 2nd December. A Farmers’ Market starts at 4.00pm with Santa arriving at 7.00pm. We’ll have interviews on the Potting Shed show.
• Farmers’ Market at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle on Sunday 16th December. Everyone is welcome to “man” a Radio Teesdale “stall” and organise interviews to the live shows that day.
Studio One
The acoustic boxes to the studio have now been installed. Several people have commented that it looks like an art installation from Tate Modern! Well done Kiddy, Ian Kirkbride and Sid. Studio 1 is now fully capable of live and recorded broadcast. In the near future we will be making Studio 1 the main broadcast studio. Studio 2 will then be used for pre-recording programmes and training. Any presenters not yet familiar with Studio 1 should be looking to familiarising themselves within the next few weeks.
Social Events
Enterprise House is holding a Christmas get together for all occupants of the building. It’s on Friday the 14th December from 4.00pm to 6.00pm. All members are warmly invited. There will be a few nibbles but because of the potential numbers involved they are asking people to “bring a bottle.”
We are currently planning an AGM and Upper Dale launch party for very early in the New Year. We plan to organise an event after the meeting – more details will follow soon.
Other Ways of Getting Involved:
If you are wondering what to do to support Radio Teesdale then here are a few ideas……
• Talk to people you know about sponsorship and channel it through the appropriate channels. We need to raise at least £25k per annum through sponsorship to make the station financially viable. There are details of the various rates on our web site. If you know any organisations that might be interested then please let Peter Dixon know.
• Help with the circulation of all car stickers and leaflets showing the dual frequency of Radio Teesdale.
• Join the team that are contacting potential sponsors that we have already identified. The role would be to talk to them about Radio Teesdale, establish if they are interested and then agree the details of the sponsorship such as item (show or feature) to be sponsored and the message. This can be done from the comfort of your own home if you wish. It would be a great thing to add to your CV if you are thinking of improving yours!
• Sit in on our Drive Time or Breakfast show as a co-presenter. You don’t have to worry about the pressures of managing the desk. It’s a great way to get a feel for the studio and start your “broadcasting career.”
• Join our editing team. At the moment, we have more opportunities that we can currently manage to re-edit material. Everyone who has worked in this area has said how quickly this has helped them with their editing skills and understanding of broadcasting. Editing is a lot easier than you might think…and it is very satisfying to hear your work being broadcast!
• Make a “My Teesdale” special programme. The idea is to talk to a Teesdale Resident about their life, love of Teesdale and play a selection from their “music collection.”
• Make a “Six of the Best” programme. Several have been broadcast already. Currently in production are shows featuring the Who and Genesis.
If you are interested in any way in any of these activities then ring the office (01833 696750), email studio@radioteesdale.co.uk or call in.
