A radio group in Stoke-on-Trent is launching a new commercial radio station for Staffordshire and Cheshire using the Stoke DAB digital radio multiplex.
Focal Radio aims to launch on November 5th, hoping to benefit from from pre-Christmas advertising.
To satisfy the earlier-than-planned launch, the station will broadcast from temporary studio accommodation while their planned long-term base at the Ceramica pottery museum in Burslem, to the north of the city, is prepared.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council are supporting the station, with Councillor Mohammed Pervez, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and ward councillor for Burslem South said: “We wish Focal Radio all the best with its launch.
"A new, positive voice broadcasting on DAB Digital Radio and the internet is good news for Stoke-on-Trent and the fact that Focal want to be associated with and based in the Mother Town is good for the regeneration of Burslem.”
Focal Radio’s Chairman, John Horton, said: “We are keen to be on air on 5 November. As your radio station we are committed to working with the council selling Stoke on Trent and the surrounding area.
"We still want to hear from those who want to be involved with this exciting venture and will be keeping you updated on our website at [url=http://www.focalradio.com/]focalradio.com[/url]."
Mid-morning presenter Sam Plank i[/i], who has previously worked for BBC Radio Stoke and Signal 2, added: “The support we have received from all aspects of the community has been outstanding. I look forward to being on air!”