Moonraker seeking to win licence (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Moonraker seeking to win licence

THE hard work is now beginning for a group of radio enthusiasts who have just finished a month's trial of a new station for north and west Wiltshire.

The team behind Moonraker 106.9FM finished the trial on Friday, broadcasting from Wiltshire College, Trowbridge.

Now the team must persuade radio regulator Ofcom that the area needs a new station.

If Ofcom agrees, the frequency will go out to tender and if enough listeners and businesses give Moonraker their backing, Ofcom could pick Moonraker to take over the broadcast.

For a formal application for the eight-year permanent licence, the team has been looking for sponsors for financial backing and has to persuade Ofcom it is a viable financial proposition.

During this month's trial station sponsor Asda gave out prizes at a series of outside broadcasts at the Trowbridge supermarket.

Presenter Mark Barnes was based in the studio while outside broadcasts were under way. He said: "It's always great fun provided the weather is fine.

"It's not easy to control that team outside Asda when I am back in the studio.

"They suddenly throw things at me like the 'yes/no' game and I am never quite sure what will be coming on the air next. It keeps the adrenalin flowing and I have lost several pounds over the past three weeks."

A competition was also run to find a slogan for the station with the first prize of a free holiday to Greece for the listener who came up with the winning formula.

Mike and Phyllis Prior from Trowbridge won the competition with their suggestion of 'the voice in the heart of the county.'

Presenter Alan Dee announced the winner live on air during his show last Wednesday.

Mr Dee said: "The current slogan 'your music your station' is fine but when we were offered the holiday prize by Howard Travel we thought it would be good to ask listeners for a new slogan for when we hopefully get the licence.

"We were amazed by the response and the wide variety of suggestions."

Broadcasting from Wiltshire College, the station was supported by media students who used the trial as an opportunity to get work experience on a live station.

Paul Hamel, Wiltshire College media tutor, said: "The students have thoroughly enjoyed the work experience of gathering stories, and occasionally have been first with the news.

"A few of them have been permitted to voice a story and they have had a real buzz from working on such a professional station.

"I really do not know what to do next year while Moonraker are going through the formalities of applying for a full-time licence.

"They are not allowed to transmit once it has been decided to put our area out to tender.

"I will be devastated if the team doesn't win the licence I really will."