Nov 9th 2006 - RADIO STATION PLEADS FOR HELP IN RUN-UP TO LAUNCH (East Grinstead Courier)

BY JON BENNETT

The Town's community radio station, Meridian FM, is just weeks from going live and is now starting its final push towards its November 27 launch day.

The focus for the run-up to the launch is on marketing, according to managing director Lee Quinn.

The community station, which will broadcast until midnight on Christmas Eve, will not make a profit but needs to raise enough money to cover the costs of the four-week broadcast period.

Mr Quinn said: "There's not a lot of change out of £15,000, that's for four weeks. That could rise to £18,000."

He added he is confident they can do this, but they also need to raise funds for the future if the station is to be viable in the long-term.

Included in the costs are £2,400 for the licence and £34-a-day for performing rights. Due to the nature of the licence, the station must raise 50 per cent of its funds through sponsorship and 50 per cent from advertising.

Companies such as Martells, Billie Rox and Waitrose have already signed up. Mr Quinn said the businesses of the town have an excellent opportunity to advertise locally for what he said are very low prices. It is hoped the station will stream its programmes over the internet after it goes off air to provide continuous broadcasting while assessing its next step. He said: "We have already been booked for a few events over Christmas for schools.

"The radio station will only survive if it is supported by the local businesses and community. We are not a commercial station but we need funds." The station's set-up at East Court is already looking professional. There are two studios - a production suite and a larger upstairs studio - and an office.

The equipment used is hired from local company Alice Broadcast Solutions from the Hobbs Industrial Estate, which has helped to set up many stations in the past, including Radio Mercury. There is also an outside broadcast unit. The next event the station will be involved in is a 1940s music afternoon at Moat Church on Remembrance Sunday. They will provide the music in between the live entertainment.

Volunteers are still needed, whether for co-presenting, producing or answering phones on the competition line.

Anyone interested can call Meridian FM on 01342 325222.