Airwaves come alive at Down’s newest radio station

Airwaves come alive at Down’s newest radio station

1 February 2012 - by CIARA COLHOUN

BUDDING broadcasters have been invited to join a young and lively radio station that is now transmitting across the district.

Ulster-Scots and Polish presenters are among those being sought for the new community station FM 105 Down Community Radio.

The station has operated from South Eastern Regional College since it was quietly launched last St. Patrick’s Day.

Volunteers at the station are now preparing a high profile launch to mark its first anniversary this March 17 and are hoping to attract more DJs on board to expand their programme schedule in the run-up to the official launch.

The station, which already hosts a number of weekly programmes including pop, dance, country and Irish chat, is particularly keen to attract Ulster-Scots and Polish speakers who could create speciality programmes for the wider community.

Conal Duffy is among those who helped set up 105FM last spring and he is enjoying a good following for his Tuesday and Thursday afternoon shows, which include a variety of music from the 1960s to today, a request line and quizzes.

Conal says listeners are now tuning in from Kilcoo to Killyleagh, Ballynahinch to Castlewellan and Dundrum, with online feedback from Australia, America and Canada.

He said the station, which is run exclusively by volunteers, appeals to the large expatriate community around the world, who are keen to tune into a station that will make them feel back at home.

Plans to create a “Listen Live” link through the 105FM website are now underway so the station can be listened to online.

Conal says he “happened” upon the station while a student at South Eastern Regional College. “I have always been involved in music and started out playing in a jazz group and doing my own mobile discos,” he said.

“While I was studying business at the college I found out about the radio station and have loved being involved ever since.

“I love the fact that I can close myself in a room for two hours twice a week and listen to great music. I am also enjoying the feedback from listeners.

“We are now hoping to get more people involved in the station to broaden our output. If people are interested in becoming part of 105FM we would love to have them.

“Because we are a community station we want to represent the whole community and ensure good variety and that is why we are asking for representatives from across the district to consider joining us.”

Fellow DJ Gareth McDowell has also put out an appeal for more presenters and says 105FM is particularly keen to host more live shows.

“You get such great satisfaction from being part of it,” he said.

“It would be great if we could add more local news to the mix as we already broadcast updates for East Down Athletics Club and information on various local events.

“We have a DJ called Cyril McKinney on board who has a wide interest in American and Irish country and his show gives listeners access to music they may not hear elsewhere.

“If anybody is interested in taking up a new hobby, we think Down 105FM could be for them.”

Anyone interested can listen to 105FM now or can send a message via the station’s Facebook page.