Sep 13th 2006 - Radio fans flock to get voices heard on community service (East Grinstead Observer)

BUDDING radio presenters are going to get a chance to get on the airwaves once Meridian FM is set up.

A meeting was held on Monday September 11 with the Meridian FM team, colleagues from Radio Uckfield, and about 30 members of the community at East Grinstead Football Club.

The presentation was for people who have an interest in the community radio project either as an investor, sponsor, employee or volunteer. Managing director Lee Quinn said: "It went really well. If we have got that interest in the radio station now, in the long term it is a good reflection.

"You cannot run a radio station just with young people, we want to get everybody involved."

About 60 applications were received for jobs ranging from cleaning and making tea to presenting.

During October all the people who have applied to do presenting will receive training and do pilot programmes and get feedback before some are chosen to present on air.

Once an application for an aerial has been approved by the council, the team is hoping to move into an office in East Court by October.

The target date for going live is November 24.

Meridian FM are still looking for volunteers in all aspects of running a radio station and office.