The people of Derby will soon be able to tune in to a wider range of radio stations via their DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting)radios. DAB has increased significantly over the last decade, as a modern, greener, more energy-efficient platform than FM and AM analogue radio.
Ofcom, the radio regulator, considered applications to build a transmission service that could revolutionise local radio and chose Derby DAB to make it happen. Derby Sound is delighted to be part of the successful Derby DAB bid.
Vanessa Boon from Derby Sound said " We are proud to amplify the city's music scene and provide a microphone for local voices by training up volunteers and running youth radio workshops to give more people a chance to get on the airwaves. We were really moved by listeners’ response to us keeping them company, reducing loneliness and lifting spirits during the pandemic. The chance to reach beyond internet broadcasting and also be on people’s DAB radios across Derby, in their homes and on the move, will enable us to connect with more people and grow our grassroots station further. This will help us to keep filling the gap in truly local, diverse radio content that you can't hear anywhere else. The lower energy consumption with DAB supports our aim of radio for social good and will help us to support Derby's ambition to be a modern City of Culture".
Derby Sound contributed efforts to the bid to bring the small-scale DAB transmission service to the city and has a 5% share on the Board of Derby DAB which will also open up opportunities for other broadcasters such as student radio and local specialist language and culture stations too.
Derby Sound Community Radio has seen a 74% increase in listeners as more people stay at home during the lockdown. More and more people are seeking the company of a human voice, good music and keeping a sense of connection to the local community.
Offering companionship, the restorative power of music, entertainment and information on local Corona Virus support groups, food banks, and wellbeing activities, the friendly local hosts are dedicated to keeping the station on air. Volunteers are hosting shows from their own homes using virtual technology.
"I am so proud of the team" says Vanessa Boon, Station Chair & Volunteer Presenter, "Our volunteers are passionate about the vital role that community radio can play at this worrying time. I wish to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers who are keeping the station on air 24/7. Their hard work and dedication to keeping folks company through this crisis, whilst many of our team are dealing with shielding or isolating themselves, and broadcasting from home, shows inspiring community spirit. Thanks to our volunteers both on-air and behind the scenes, our supporters, advertisers and listeners, though we may be social distancing we can still feel socially together over the airwaves".
The station continues to bring a variety of music, news, topical chat and fresh new interviews with Derby characters including community difference-makers via zoom. In the mix are specialist shows spanning rock, Latin, synth, retro, indie, Afrobeats, chart and eclectic music, with something for everyone. And if you miss a show there is also the on demand service via Mixcloud.
To keep lifting people's spirits and be a vehicle for social good the station is sharing local sources of help in regular bulletins, showcasing local artists who have felt the effects of event cancellations and venue closures, and is planning a virtual open mic event to gather people together online.
Always dreamed of being on the radio? Amplifying the voices of Derby, the station is also inviting people to create and send in content for broadcast such as recorded greetings, messages, original poems and songs and interviews. "With smartphones, or a laptop and USB microphone, offering good quality sound recording functions many people can join in and create their own audio content" says Vanessa "and we are adapting our popular radio skills taster workshops to run online offering e-learning opportunities to people keen to gain a new skill such as audio editing or presenting. With our help, participants can develop their ideas for radio features, bulletins or even hosting their own show from home".
Derby Sound is part of the local charity Disability Direct and is also playing its part in helping disabled volunteers and listeners to access local support during isolation.
Listen live via www.derbysound.org.uk and click the Listen button
Or ask Alexa / smart speaker to play Derby Sound on TuneIn
You can also download the free Derby Sound radio player app via GooglePlay
Or find Derby Sound on TuneIn
