Story: Lisa Swift
Burngreave Community Radio is testing its transmission and planning to be on air on 103.1 FM by 31st May.
Organisers are planning a schedule that will include music, community projects, young people and community languages. Only a month ago, it looked unlikely to happen at all. When OFCOM granted the five year license in 2006, they set a two year deadline to be on air. This expired at the end of February. OFCOM agreed to extend the deadline but no funding was in place.
New Deal told the Messenger they had tried to work with the project but it had been difficult to maintain communications with those involved. Alongside this, a number of residents accused the project of not being inclusive, calling for the two directors of Burngreave Community Radio Ltd to hold an AGM. In April, New Deal’s board finally decided the Radio was a low priority, meaning it would get no funding.
Despite these difficulties, seven residents finally formed a board of directors. With premises on Cookswood Road, the project is calling for volunteers to contribute to shows and the running of the station.
In a final twist, New Deal have been forced to release an apology to Aisha Special K:
Sincere apology from BNDfC
It has been brought to BNDfC’s attention that there is some local speculation about small grants funding previously received by Burngreave Community Radio and other related organisations. BNDfC would like to confirm for any interested party that all of the grants received by those organisations have been accounted for by its Acting General Manager, Chair and Founder, Aisha Special K. Our sincere apologies to Special for any embarrassment and upset caused by this situation. BNDfC acknowledged Special’s huge contribution to the regeneration of the area and the welfare of its people in their Achievement Award – her contribution to the BNDfC programme will never be forgotten.
More Information
To find out about DJ and presenter opportunites, or if you would like to be involved in BCR, email bcr103.1fm@hotmail.com or call Aisha Special K on 07786 101 660 or Matloub on 07974 246 042.
More about the radio station and its upcoming schedules can found in the Burngreave Community Radio section of our website.