Minister visits online station in Bath

Culture minister Ed Vaizey has visited an online radio project in Bath while in the city for this weekend’s Community Media Association annual conference.

The MP, whose Westminster responsibilities include broadcasting, called into see the team at Bath City Sound.

The station is launching online next month after being told by Ofcom that Bath doesn’t have any available FM frequencies.

Ian Dore, Station Manager and Director. told RadioToday.co.uk: “Bath City Sound is a result of a demand for a local community radio station and has been set up specifically for social gain, skewed very much in favour of young adults. We are almost at the end of our testing and training phase, making sure that everything works correctly and that we can deliver the service to as many digital platforms as possible. It was incredibly gratifying that Mr Vaizey visited us at such an embryonic stage and he was very enthusiastic with what he saw and heard.”

MP Ed Vaizey said: “I think the set up of Bath City Sound is very exciting and it’s enterprising to try and fill a niche market, particularly young people who deserve to be served by a local community radio station. I
look forward to programmes going on air. Of course the great virtue of it being on the internet, is that I’ll be able to listen in Wantage as I’ve got the app on my phone! I wish them all the luck in the world and I will be listening.”

Ian added: “As well as supporting the all important youth, charity and community groups, Bath City Sound will also be proactive with the business and commerce sectors. Mr Vaizey acknowledges what we are all about and how important such a service can be. That’s why he popped in on Saturday, spent time with some of the team, and gave us the thumbs up. The Ministerial equivalent of a Facebook Like!”