Radio station to spread a positive vibe (From Thurrock Gazette)

Radio station to spread a positive vibe

3:00pm Sunday 19th August 2012 in News

THURROCK, recently dubbed the “capital of misery”, has a new radio station bidding to spread positivity about the borough.

The station, called Thurrock Community Business Radio and believed to be the first of its kind, will showcase talented local artists and provide a platform for local business to advertise for free.

Launched by Graeme Loveland, from Thurrock Enterprise Agency and radio veteran Steve Langsdale, who is blind, the station operates out of a small unit at Thurrock Enterprise Centre, in Maidstone Road, Grays.

The long term aim is for it to become a live broadcaster, but for now, programmes are pre-recorded and aired over the internet.

Programme controller Steve Langsdale, 52, from Grays, brings a host of radio experience to the project. The radio station will seek to tap into Steve’s knowledge of music and radio contacts, built up over 33 years in the industry, to ensure it has something for everyone.

Graeme, who has provided much of the funding and with Steve, spent around a year getting the station’s wheels in motion, said: “The idea is that Steve goes around Grays and Thurrock and talks to local businesses about what they do and how they do it.

“Then these interviews are sandwiched in between music and other features. We’re hoping to mix business with art.

“With the Royal Opera House coming into the borough, we had the idea to bring art and business closer together.

“It’s also about trying give another opportunity for south Essex business and we can tell people how great this area is. It really isn’t the most miserable place in the country.”

The station has also enlisted the help of Robin Bailey, an experienced broadcaster and BBC sports commentator, who runs Capricorn Media. He has recorded various programmes for the station, which forms part of a schedule covering 7am to midnight.

Volunteers, varying in age, are contributing to ensure the station appeals to large swathes of the Thurrock population.

The station is a social enterprise aiming to serve the community as a branch of the Enterprise Agency, which has been in Grays for 25 years.

Listen to the station at www.thurrockradio.org.uk