Guernsey Press

Online-only Riduna Radio gives Alderney a choice

ALDERNEY’S listeners will soon have two radio stations to choose between, with the launch of Riduna Radio next month.

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(Picture by Peter Frankland, 31974318)

The new, internet-only station is to be based at the former butcher’s shop at 4, Victoria Street and will be a commercial broadcaster staffed entirely by volunteers.

There will be a team of about a dozen presenters, many of whom have experience of presenting, having previously appeared on Quay FM, which will continue to broadcast on 107.1 FM.

‘We believe there is room for two stations in Alderney,’ said Riduna Radio station manager Ian Taylor.

‘All our presenters are much loved and we believe there is plenty of demand.’

Presenters will include Robert ‘Dougal’ Bohan, who will take on the weekend breakfast show, and Nic West, Jenny Rowley, Chris Harris, Annie Burgess, Bev Hope-Smith, Jo Jordan and Mr Taylor.

The station will also broadcast the Gillham Gold show by Tony Gillham.

The new service will be live-streamed on the internet but will not be broadcast on AM or FM frequencies or on DAB.

Ahead of its launch at the end of May, the new station will be approaching advertisers on the island and is taking steps to include as many islanders as possible in the new venture.

‘Alderney residents will have the opportunity to buy shares in the station and truly become part of the Riduna Radio family,’ Mr Taylor said.

In terms of the station’s target demographic, Mr Taylor said an all-inclusive approach was being taken.

‘We made the decision right at the beginning to make Riduna Radio a station for all age groups, with a particular emphasis on attracting a younger audience with specialist shows including a School’s Out hour,’ he said.

Quay FM news and compliance officer Debbie Lewis welcomed the rival.

‘It’s great,’ she said. ‘We wish them well. It means more diversity and more choice for islanders. It’s really a matter of where people feel more comfortable. We’re always here.’

The FM station would continue to broadcast Alderney States meetings and Alderney Week events, she said, which would be particularly useful for those who prefer to listen to radio on FM.

Quay FM’s current licence, which it will be looking to renew, runs until 2025.

Alderney States member Alex Snowdon, who was involved in trying to settle a disagreement between Quay FM and some of its presenters last year, said he was glad to hear of Riduna Radio’s imminent arrival.

‘Hopefully, the more community radio stations we have ­– and other, written media – the more benefit there will be to the island,’ he said.

‘They’re setting up in a good location in the heart of St Anne’s and I wish them all the best.’