About us
Making community radio a force for good in Derby
With hospital radio and specialist genre shows disappearing and generic regional or national programming on most stations, there is a lack of truly local radio and no place for youngsters, newbies & community groups to gain their first taste and start a new hobby or career in radio - and we can change all that!
The story so far
We originally started broadcasting as a small online project in February 2017. Initially a very small team of radio enthusiasts, growing into a volunteer team with more community groups getting involved. In June 2017 we became a constituted group with an elected committee to develop the station. We ran some community workshops to give people an introduction to radio skills and several local residents heard their voice on-air for the first time - a massive proud moment and boost of confidence - and some have gone on to become regulars on-air!
In 2018 we ran a successful crowdfunder appeal with backing from Derby City Council's Crowdfund Derby scheme and secured a grant from Foundation Derbyshire to develop further and train up more people from local communities in radio skills including with Mash Up Youth Provision. We also worked with IWD Derby backed by Rosa UK to run a six-week Women Amplified course introducing more women onto the airwaves.
In autumn 2018 we joined the family of difference-making organisations at DD Enterprise Centre, with a base for radio training and meetings, and working with Disability Direct.
On 1 st February 2019 we re-branded as Derby Sound launching an exciting schedule of new shows.
On 1st April 2019 we were delighted to join the Disability Direct family, becoming part of an award-winning charity with shared aims on inclusion and creating an alternative to the mainstream media and providing us with incubation support to develop further.
In September 2022 we registered as a CIC (Community Interest Company) to grow the station and we are also excited to be part of the Derby DAB project
We have ambitions to develop the station with a community studio and training suite, going for a DAB license, creating great volunteering opportunities and doing community projects so that radio can be used as a force for good in Derby - we are applying for grants to help but we also need your backing to make it all happen - we need the city to back us, tune in, support us and get involved!
Could you be part of our next chapter?
Contact us about volunteering, advertising and other opportunities to be part of our story! Fancy giving radio a try? Radio is a lot of fun and we can provide training even if you have no radio experience, if you have enthusiasm, commitment and you are willing to learn we'd love to hear from you. We value diversity, we want a variety of Derby characters on-air and can offer a supportive team and a good place to grow in confidence
