Bedford Radio will be broadcasting on FM in Bedford this July, to coincide with the River Festival and Bedfringe. It is now inviting the people of Bedford to put themselves behind the microphone: we want to hear from people with an interest in radio – experience is a bonus, but not essential.

Training will be given, starting at the end of May, so anyone can take part.

We are also looking for local businesses to partner with: radio is an amazing platform for speaking to people directly in their homes and cars, so businesses who would like to be featured on the station are invited to get in touch. Bedford Radio will provide full production of all adverts.

As well as extensive outside broadcasts from Bedford’s key summer events, we aim to showcase the full diversity of Bedford’s communities. Station Manager Martin Steers said: “We want to hear from anyone in Bedford who has a passion and wants to share it. Our pop-up station this July is perfect for one-off shows, or as the launch pad for an ongoing series. 

“There’s so much happening in our community, we really hope people will want to share their enthusiasm and spread the word on Bedford Radio. This must be the most exciting community-based initiative in the town for years, and we can’t wait to work with people from across Bedford.”

Bedford Radio will also be offering a full range of music programming, with a mix of popular favourites throughout the day, and the opportunity for people to share their interests in specialist music shows.

The station is entirely volunteer-run, so we also need help behind the scenes: from technical support to book-keeping to general helping out, we will always be glad of an extra pair of hands. So anyone who doesn’t fancy getting on air but would still like to be involved will be extremely welcome.

 

The July FM broadcast will be the first step towards a permanent presence on the airwaves over Bedford: the plan is to launch on small scale DAB (digital radio) in 2023. A schedule of programmes will continue online after July up to the launch on DAB, so listeners who get the Bedford Radio habit will be able to keep listening.