The communities surrounding Midsomer Norton and Radstock will have their own community radio station this summer.

Last week OFCOM awarded Somer Valley FM a license to broadcast from the 14^th to the 19^th of August this year. The station is licensed to broadcast as far as Peasedown St John, Temple Cloud, Emborough and Coleford.

Somervale School will be hosting the station and will utilise the skills and resources from its specialist school status as Media Arts College.

Headteacher, Mike Gorman says, “This is a great opportunity for us, as a Media Arts College, to build on our media skills base and engage with the local community around our specialist status. The children involved will have a unique opportunity for personal development to get some real media experience”

Local councillor for Midsomer Norton and license holder, Cllr Chris Watt, who is co-director of the project, says, “We are hoping that our own community radio station can add a real focus to the areas news, views, comment and culture. We already have some programme ideas to feature our Britain in Bloom entries, oral histories, etc. and allsorts of local features, we want everyone involved so if you have a programme idea or some spare time then please get in touch.”

People can register your interest and keep up to date with our progress at our website at www.somervalleyfm.co.uk

Deputy Headteacher of Somervale School, Mark Kenny, who is also co-director of the project, says, “The creative team of students are already planning programme content, for instance a feature programme on the Midsomer Norton Mardi Gras. The local Primary Schools are already working on content for the radio station. The project really seems to have captured young people’s imaginations and I hope adults in the community see the potential of having a local presence across the airways for the Somer Valley Community.”

Maxine Stride, one of the students involved on the creative teams adds, “I think this will be great because it will improve the confidence and communication skills of all those involved.”

Editors’ Notes:

1.      The first two weeks of August (31^st July to 12^th Aug) will be workshop weeks to help community groups produce content.

2.      We will broadcast live from 14^th – 19^th Aug.

3.      Our frequency will be confirmed on the 21^st July.

4.      Photo opportunities are possible at Somervale School in the studios by arrangement.