New studio to take station to the next level (From Worcester News)

New studio to take station to the next level

2:20pm Thursday 24th January 2013 in News

A VILLAGE radio station is hoping that a re-launch and a brand new studio will help it continue lighting up the airwaves.

Since Mark Tibbutt founded Longside Radio from a garage studio at his home in Martley, near Worcester, in December 2010, he has seen it grow in popularity.

At the last count the station was regularly attracting more than 2,000 listeners from 78 different countries right around the world.

Listeners were tuning in to hear broadcasts by more than a dozen local DJs aged from as young as 12 to their late 50s.

So far the station has been tucked away in a garage, but Mr Tibbutt is now hoping that a move to a new studio at the Old Weighbridge in the village centre will help to raise its profile.

The building, opposite the Crown pub, was formerly used as a police station, but has been empty for the last couple of years. The 44-year-old was delighted when he approached Martley Parish Council and was told that he could use the building as a studio for free.

Since the middle of November he has been busy fitting out the new facility, supported by donations of equipment and materials from the likes of Bradfords Underwood builders merchants.

“We have kitted it out, we have decorated it and to all intents and purposes it is finished,” he said.

“I think it looks really good and it will make a real difference. It is a much better broadcasting environment and now we have room to welcome some guests.”

Listeners and local people will be able to get a good look at the new studio during an opening ceremony which will be held at noon on Saturday.

Mr Tibbutt is hoping to generate extra interest, not just to boost listener numbers, but to get more people involved.

“It’s a real community venture, we are not a profit-making organisation and I like to think that it is something positive for Worcestershire,” he said.

“We would love for more people to get involved – even while we have been doing the place up people have been stopping and asking about it, so hopefully that interest will continue.”

If you fancy trying your hand as a DJ with Longside Radio, you can pop along to the launch, call 01886 878190 or e-mail studio@longsideradio.co.uk. For more information, or to listen, visit longside.webnode.com.