Radio station fights for future during lockdown

Chris Moyse in the Park Radio studio. Photo: Diss Matters/Diss TC (Image: Archant)

Park Radio broadcasts to Diss, Harleston, Eye and the surrounding villages. It relies on advertising revenue to pay staff and its license but with the county still on lockdown it has seen a large drop in the number of adverts taken on.

Station manager, Chris Moyse, said: “There are 276 community radio stations in the UK and some are probably in better shape than others.

“We are in quite a good place but you don’t know how long it will last as it’s down to how long we are in a lockdown situation. How long will it take for customers to re-open and then want to advertise with us?

“All our income is reliant on advertising. There is still staff to pay, overheads and rent.”

Park Radio was launched in November 2017. Photo: Diss Matters/Diss TC (Image: Archant)

Despite the lockdown on the closure of the studio in Shelfanger Road, Diss, modern technology has allowed presenters to continue their shows from home.

“We need to maintain the service,” Mr Moyse added.

“There are 46 members of staff all working from home, broadcasting from our homes.

“It’s gone very well and people haven’t been able to tell on air. With the technology we are in Harleston, then Diss, then broadcast out of Loddon. We are still on air 24/7 and interviewing over the phone.”

Park Radio has been on air since November 2017 but formed ten years ago.

Mr Moyse said community radio has been able to offer a specialist service to its audience.

He added: “The station was formed 10 years ago but we would host 28 days here and there, then went full time in November 2017 with a full time license so this is our third year.

“After 10 years I’m not going to let the station close. Other stations are limited on resource and trying to cover a large area.

“A community broadcaster is able to be there 24/7 with the news, giving information and entertaining.”

For more information about Park Radio go to www.parkradio.co.uk.