A brand new community radio station has launched in Bath this morning, Thursday 5th November, just as the country goes into a second period of lockdown.
Steve Fountain, Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst MBE and Simon McNeill-Ritchie
Broadcasting on DAB, smart-speaker and online across Bath and West Wiltshire from premises on the Lower Bristol Road, the station founders describe it as a “new voice for Bath”.
Presenters want to hear from community groups, charities and organisations which will be supporting residents and the vulnerable during the latest lockdown.
The station will broadcast throughout the lockdown, with news, information and advice on available support services.
Communities and Engagement Director, Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst MBE, said: “It’s very important that we hear local voices on the station raising their issues, concerns, especially as we enter a new lockdown.
“But we also want to celebrate the wonderful work that goes in the city, often unnoticed.
“We’ll be supporting local businesses during this difficult time, so I’m also keen to hear from them.”
Ahead of its launch, Radio Bath announced its on-air line up. Presenters include born and bred Bathonians, a local mayor, and former presenters and journalists from ITV, GWR and BBC Radio 1.
Two presenters will share breakfast duties: Nick Day, a local voice in community radio and former Bath musician Shaun Smith.
Former ITV weatherman and presenter Bob Crampton will be presenting on Thursday afternoons and Steve Fountain, one-time GWR Bath breakfast host, will be presenting drivetime daily, from 5pm.
Bath business owner Dave Mason, a former ITV and Radio 1 journalist, will present Friday afternoons, 30 years after he launched a county radio station in Somerset.
Dave Mason at Radio Bath
He said: “I’ve got a great slot getting people ready for the weekend on a Friday afternoon. Bath is a global city, but is under-represented in the mainstream media, both in news and in the views of local people being heard.
“I’ve got some exciting programme features to come and would like to hear from societies and local musicians.”
Station Managing Director, Simon McNeill-Ritchie, added: “Bath is a world-class cultural city, so a radio station which can galvanize communities and celebrate the best it has to offer is very much needed and forms a vital part of our democracy.
“Crucially, we are a Community Profit Organisation, which means we will return any surpluses we make to local good causes.”
The new station wants to hear from under-represented audiences in Bath and West Wiltshire.
Anyone interested in appearing on the station, or has a news item should contact [email protected].
