A Norfolk community radio station has opened a new state-of-the-art studio.
Poppyland Community Radio – an online radio station for north Norfolk – has unveiled its new studio, The Pod, in the converted top floor of Northrepps Village Hall.
The Pod features two dedicated studios, a green room, café and editing suite.
The studio was opened by North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker alongside Pat West of Cromer Town Council, who funded much of the broadcast equipment, and Leigh Sadler, of MKM Building Supplies in North Walsham, who donated the building material for the conversion.
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Adam Wood, Poppyland’s technical director, also revealed a dedicated Poppyland Radio app will be launching soon - and managing director Will Wilson announced plans to start broadcasting on DAB radio in 2024.
Poppyland has said both will help the station to reach more listeners, enhancing a sense of community and helping to combat loneliness – an important issue in isolated rural and coastal communities.
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“It’s absolutely incredible to have such a thriving and successful radio station that is completely about the community,” North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker said.
Mike Goldwater, Poppyland Radio director, also announced energy giant Vattenfall as the new station sponsor.
As part of the arrangement with Vattenfall, a new weekly show ‘The Forecast’ will be broadcast, providing listeners with insight and information on a broad range of topics of interest from experts involved in the major windfarm project of the region's coast.
The show will be produced and presented by Georgia Sweet and Hallie Taylor, currently studying broadcast journalism at UEA.
Mr Goldwater also made special mention of the contribution to the station by volunteer Mark ‘Raggy’ Radbourne who provides invaluable support to its 56 presenters, by editing and scheduling their shows and producing all manner of content for the station.
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