The fledgling Petersfield Community Radio project has been able to buy essential recording equipment thanks to a four-figure donation from a business based in the town.

The project – which aims to start ‘broadcasting’ initially with a podcast in the summer – is already uploading stories and audio to its website, but is now looking to undertake more ambitious production with the purchase of handheld audio recorders and accessories, to capture stories around the town, and a pair of broadcast-quality microphones that can be used for interviews in any indoor location.

The donation came from financial planning company Informed Choice, based in Station Rd, and director Shelley McCarthy is hoping other local businesses will follow suit.

Shelley McCarthy, Director of Informed Choice

She said:

“This project is a great opportunity for the town of Petersfield, which is sorely underserved when it comes to local radio, owing to its location. But as it doesn’t have the backing of a media conglomerate it is being driven by a large group of enthusiastic volunteers, of which I am one.

“Hopefully other locally based businesses can see the potential there is here for a community radio station and join us in supporting it financially. We were delighted to become the project’s first donor and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”

Petersfield Community Radio’s Stephen Martin added:

“The donation from Informed Choice was most welcome and we’d like to thank them for supporting the concept so early in its development. The money has already proved a real boon and is enabling us to record a number of different features which will be used in long and short forms.

“We also have local business support from Antrobus House, which is providing our accountancy services, while we have partnered with four local schools – Bedales, Churcher’s College, Ditcham Park and The Petersfield School – and the town’s museum.

“The project is gaining momentum and we’d be delighted to hear from anybody else who would be keen to support it or volunteer to be a part of it.”

More information

To discover more about the Petersfield Community Radio project visit petersfieldradio.uk or email stephen@petersfieldradio.uk.

ENDS

Information for journalists

  • Petersfield Community Radio is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and operated by volunteers for social gain. Registered number 11705881.
  • More volunteers or sponsors are always welcome. To volunteer register at petersfieldradio.uk

For further information or to arrange to interview one of team behind the project, please contact Dave Bowers at dave@petersfieldradio.uk or dave@davebowers.co.uk.