A community radio station covering Caerphilly County Borough is to hit the digital airwaves in the New Year after it was granted a licence from regulator Ofcom.
On January 4, Rhymney-based Voice Radio will become the first community radio station in Wales to broadcaston DAB radio. At the moment the radio station, which is predominantly run by volunteers, broadcasts online through its website.
The move to digital radio will mean more commercial opportunities for the station to rely less on grant funding for its survival.
Chris Williams, Youth and Community Engagement Officer at Voice Radio, said: “The move to DAB will open us up to a much wider area and make us more sustainable.
“Red Dragon FM is to lose its Welsh identity soon when it becomes Capital and Valleys Radio was closed last year. There’s nothing for people at this end of the county borough.
“It’s a very exciting time for Voice Radio and a lot of hard work has gone into making this dream a reality. All of the DJs are thrilled to get the chance to broadcast on DAB and it offers significant opportunities for community groups and local businesses.
“We would like to thank all the volunteers, organisations and businesses whose help has been invaluable in getting us this far and we look forward to carrying on this work in the future to help sustain this valuable and unique project.”
The station has secured funding from the Caerphilly Community Regeneration Fund to pay for the licence from Ofcom – however, the station is still fundraising for £5,000 to cover all its costs.
Established in 2006 by PC Dylan Jones with the support of Caerphilly County Borough Council and Gwent Police, the station prides itself on offering a unique mix of music and chat and at its centre is a commitment that anyone can get involved.
It also provides work placement opportunities through the likes of Job Match and the Future Jobs Fund to help people get back into work and learn new skills.
The official launch will take place on January 8 2011 at the Voice Radio studios, the Whitbread Centre, Rhymney.
As well as the move to digital radio, Voice has recently signed a deal with the Newport Gwent Dragons to become its official radio station.
Any business, community group or individuals who wish to support Voice Radio, whether through donations, sponsorship or simply by giving their time, should contact 01685 844432 or visit www.voicefm.co.uk