Community radio moves into Mercia studios

Orion Media has transferred its Hertford Place Mercia FM studios into the hands of Coventry-based community radio station Radio Plus.

Hertford Place was home to Mercia for most of its existence until it moved out of the area in 2011 to co-locate with sister station BRMB. The two stations were re-branded as Free Radio the next year.

Commenting on the deal, Orion CEO Phil Riley said “The Hertford Place studios are rightfully legendary in UK Radio history. When we moved out to newer premises with Mercia and then rebranded the station to Free Radio, we agonised over what to do with the vacant property.

“When Radio Plus called, initially just to ask if we had any redundant equipment, they planted the germ of an idea, which a year later sees them moving into the building full-time. I am delighted the building will continue to be used to broadcast from for many years to come, and Radio Plus must now be one of the best equipped community stations in the country!”

Tim Coleman, Radio Plus Station Manager said: “Taking on Hertford Place from Orion Media is exciting for us and represents an important transition in our vision to serve Coventry from a community media hub. I’m delighted that our growing relationship with Orion Media, as part of our wider approach to partnership working, means we’ll continue to support each other.”

James Cannock, co-director of One Nation Studios said, “Having spent nine years recording bands in Leamington, helping independent musicians find their sound and running programs for songwriters and musicians, One Nation Studios bring their wealth of experience to Coventry. We are very excited to be working in the same building as Radio Plus, where we can offer live lounge sessions, recording, rehearsal and music production. The aim of One Nation Studios is to help develop musicians into professional artists, produce new music and provide inspiring music programs.”