Norwich community broadcaster Future Radio marks 10 years of riding the airwaves
From left, Sam Day, Mike Stonard and Dean Tucker in a Future Radio studio. Picture: Stuart Anderson - Credit: Archant
It has helped start conversations, launch music careers and give scores of people the chance to build their confidence and media skills.
Future Radio's Mike Stonard. Submitted - Credit: Submitted
And now, the team at Norwich community broadcaster Future Radio are celebrating a special milestone - the station's 10th anniversary.
Mike Stonard, chair of the station's board, said Future Radio had come a long way over the past decade.
He said: 'We've always been here to give Norwich a voice and get local people talking to local people.'
When it launched on August 6, 2007 Future just covered west Norwich, but it was granted a city-wide licence two years later. Since 2015 it has also relayed other radio stations by running a DAB multiplex.
Dan Nyman, head of production when Future Radio began full-time broadcasting in 2007. Picture: James Bass - Credit: Eastern Daily Press � 2007
Dean Tucker, 25, a broadcast assistant, said Future Radio had a proud of helping unsigned musicians from the area gain a foothold in the industry by playing their material.
READ MORE: Digital boost for Norwich radio stationHe said: 'We play music from new or un-established musicians as part of our regular programmes, not just in a special slot, although we do that too. We have got such a vibrant music scene here in Norwich and do what we can to support it.'
Future Radio's Next Big Thing competition has helped boost the careers of musicians including Ed Sheeran.
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Sam Day, 23, has been volunteering at the station for more than two years, involved in different aspects of production as well as hosting breakfast, drive time and arts shows.
Mr Day, from Norwich, said: 'I'm really quite proud of what I've been able to achieve in that time. My confidence and skills have really built and it has been great to see that in others as well.'
READ MORE: Future Radio boss Terry Lee says goodbye to NorwichMr Stonard said there were big things to come in Future's future, as the station planned to relocate and relaunch at the end of the year.
He said: 'We're moving into the city centre over winter which has been a long-term ambition of ours, and when we are finally set up we'll have a relaunch. The move will allow us to engage more and build even stronger community links.'
But Mr Stonard said after the move, Future Radio would continue to have a studio in west Norwich, where it is based at Future Projects in Motum Road. To mark the anniversary, Future Radio will have special guests throughout Monday's broadcasts.
