Burnham-On-Sea’s online community radio station Burnham Radio is this week celebrating its first year of being on air.
The station’s team of over 20 volunteers has kept the station running throughout the past year despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Based in Victoria Street, the station’s mix of music and community content launched in November 2020 as we reported here, and its audience is gradually growing.
Station Manager Kevin Eagles has this week thanked his group of 15 presenters and 10 behind-the scenes helpers.
Kevin adds that the station managed to continue broadcasting through two Covid lockdowns, with some shows being presented from the team’s homes to abide by restrictions.
“We managed to stay live every day, even on one day when we had no internet service and had to think quickly on our feet,” he tells Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“We’ve helped many local people in need during the past year and given shout-outs to community groups, local bands and events.”
The station is listened to from 2,000-4,000 devices a month, a number that is gradually growing, helped by social media posts. With the support of sponsors and advertisers, he says the station is ‘breaking even’.
The station is currently online at www.burnhamradio.online and available through Alexa and Google, plus the mobile apps Local Radio Player and Radiogram. Â
Among the team is Kane Moore, who started as the ‘tech guy’ and has since taken on a role presenting his own show on the station from 11am-1pm on weekdays.
Kane adds that the station has attended several local events over the past year and it hopes to introduce a new outside broadcasting unit shortly to be able to broadcast from more events, such as Burnham’s Christmas lights switch-on later this month.
Fellow presenter Mandy Shute praises Kevin and Kane for their time: “They have worked tirelessly and put their heart and soul into this – they deserve lots of kudos.”
Mandy presents a breakfast show five days a week and cycles in from Highbridge each day to do the show.
“I used to present a show on Ujima Radio for five years but, having retired, when the opportunity came up here to get involved I jumped at it. I’m happy to give the time – it’s a genuine pleasure to be here.”
Tania Leigh, who presents a Saturday grooves show from 4-7pm, and a Sunday show on Hollywood films stars and the Rat Pack, adds: “I’d never done anything like this before, but it is a lot of fun and I love meeting new local people. There’s a will to make it work that is never-ending here!”
And Rachel Grange, who presents a weekday show from 2-4pm, adds: “The station has changed our lives. I have always wanted to do this since being a teenager and now I’m 46 I have finally realised my ambition! Kevin and Kane are absolute angels – they are marvellous.”
Beth Fenwick, who presents a show on Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons, adds: “Doing this has boosted my confidence no end. It’s always been something I wanted to do and I love it – the guys here are like a family to me, they really are great.”
The next stage of development for the station over the coming year is scheduled to be transforming into a dedicated DBA digital station to further widen the audience reach. The station is currently hoping to raise £7,500 for this.
