A group of broadcasters, journalists, producers and senior managers have launched a new not-for-profit radio station from their Manchester offices, specifically targeted at the UK’s nine million paid and unpaid carers.
It has been launched as a response to the pandemic’s strain on carers, the NHS, and Social Care staff.
Its founders include Chair, Hedley Finn OBE, President of the International Children’s Charity Radio Lollipop, Manchester based CEO John Dash, who has been twice awarded the Fellowship of the Radio Academy, and Content Director Gary Robinson, former MD of Kerrang! Radio and Downtown Radio.
Over fifty other radio professionals are giving their time and skills to get the station set up and established, backed by a team of finance, fundraising, care sector, PR and technical experts.
“Care Radio’s output will surprise, delight and support those in the care sector,” explains Robinson. “It will include a mix of great music, interviews and listener stories.”
“So much of what is needed to start a radio station is being donated,” he explained.
“Not only all our broadcasters’, journalists’ and producers’ time, but also our news provision, streaming, app, marketing, website, scheduling, imaging, social media, interactive services and PR are being provided by supporters who share our vision of giving something back to carers for all they do for us every day.”
The staton can be heard through the Care Radio app, and it is planned that the station will be available on DAB multiplexes around the UK.
“We’re looking at developing this project so much further over the next twelve months”, added Finn.
