A New Era

A new name and a new era dawned on Monday 30th August for community radio station South Norfolk Radio as it broadcast its first programmes on-line. The entirely volunteer-run station is expanding its horizons, having been set up as Radio Wymondham in late 2018.

A number of abortive attempts to launch a radio station for the local community in the traditional South Norfolk market town of Wymondham had been made previously over a period years, but a dedicated band of volunteers, now led by Company Director and Station Manager Anthony Woods, made it happen in 2018 with the establishment of a Community Interest Company and setting up of studio facilities.

Earlier in 2021, the station moved ‘lock, stock and microphone’ to new studios right in the town centre in Wymondham, making it far more accessible. “We managed to stay on air throughout the pandemic” explains Anthony Woods “but I can’t pretend that its been easy. Even a task as simple as inviting in a studio guest to talk on air became impossible, but we feel that as the situation eases, it’s time for us to get things moving again. Moving to a central location in the town is a big part of that, as is our rebranding to South Norfolk Radio, as we shift our focus to cover not just Wymondham, but the wider South Norfolk district too.”

“Expanding our horizons though means that we need more members to join us” continues Anthony, “and we welcome enquiries from potential volunteers. We are keen to recruit more programme makers and of course we provide suitable training and can even facilitate broadcasting from your own home where needed, but staffing a radio station that is on air 24/7 means that there are many other roles to fill too, so even if you think that sitting in front of a microphone and talking on the radio is a bit too daunting for you, don’t be afraid to get in touch. Perhaps youre an expert on technology or work in graphic design, make websites or are a wizz on social media? Whatever your particular skills – we need you!” says Anthony.

South Norfolk Radio Station Manager Anthony Woods also says that the station is keen to hear from potential advertisers too. “We have some extremely competitively priced advertising and sponsorship options” he explains, “and we’re keen to work with local companies looking to take advantange of the new opportunity to get their own local services advertised to local people, to the mutual benefit of the local community as a whole.”