Chairman’s Report 30th September 1980
I considered it my first duty to welcome you as members and express my thanks to you for responding so enthusiastically to the issue of shares and loan stock at a time when capital for new issues was not readily available. This created a confidence inside the company which persists today.
For the year under review it is not possible to make comparisons with previous years, therefore I will endeavour, albeit briefly, to refer to some of the achievements made by your company during the period.
Franchise for Torbay/Exeter independent local radio area
Following our written submission and two interview with the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) the company was offered the franchise subject to certain important conditions and subject to contract. All these conditions have been met in full and we have now been awarded the contract.
Pre-Operational Period
As our on air date was not scheduled by the IBA until February 1981 it was thought prudent by the board to delay the introduction of staff until such time that their services were needed. An executive committee under my chairmanship was formed from the board to implement and develop our proposed plans which we were able to do to a considerable degree. Our pre-operational costs were considerably reduced by this method as the directors gave their services at no cost to the company.
Exeter Studios
The alienable lien on the freehold property at 35/37 St. David’s Hill, Exeter permitted us to acquire the property which is now wholly owned by the company. Its location close to the centre of Exeter with extensive car parking facilities will undoubtedly make it an appreciating asset. This property has now been successfully converted by Sleeman Limited to the designer supervision of Malcolm Chapman ARIBA and is now a fully operational radio station having met all the requirements of the IBA’s code of practice and tests in full.
Torbay studio
Selecting a site for the Torbay studio proved to be a difficult and time-consuming. Planning consent was the major difficulty at the outset but things are eventually came right for us. We have secured a 25 year lease on the whole top floor and roof of Harbour Point, Victoria Parade, Torquay which includes a licence to convert to a radio station. The installation is now complete and the station is scheduled to come on air at the end of April.
The conversion to fully equip Studios was originally scheduled for phase two but we were able to proceed straightaway as capital was not required to purchase the property. The advantages are considerable as they will be no disruption at a later date or a demand on capital. It will also bring into being not only Torbay’s own station but the world’s first twin stations, of which we can be justifiably proud.
On Twinning
With little experience to draw from we are considered by the radio industry to be pioneers of this exciting but difficult operation. The practical problems have been considerable, arising from four main areas: technical, operating, programming and administrative. The board is deeply conscious of its commitment to ensuring success of a twinned operation and is appreciative of the creativeness and enthusiasm of the principal staff members who are overcoming these problems.
Programming
There has been an immediate acceptance of our programmes which is clearly evidenced by the excellent survey statistics recently produced by Research Survey Great Britain (RSGB). The audience penetration reach is 54% t which compares favourably with the estimated 40% on which our rate-card was based. Our ever-growing reputation as a professional station is well deserved. In an impressive opening phase and number of meritorious programmes were produced. Highlighted amongst these was an auction of gifts, presented live, which clearly indicates the broadcasting and technical skills held by the staff of your company. As a result of this community programme a cheque for £4710 was presented to the Guide Dogs For The Blind.
Directorate
Vice Admiral Sir Ronald Brockman has stood down from the board and has accepted the role of honorary president of the company and chairmanship of the DevonAir Radio Group. I am grateful for his continuing support.
Mr. David Cousins left to take up the position of programme controller at Radio Tees. His valuable contribution to the company at the application state cannot be overstated.
Maurice Vass we welcome as our managing director. Mr. Vass has considerable experience in the broadcasting industry and was interalia General Manager of Tyne Tees Television. His broadcasting and management skills played a vital part in the setting up and launching of DevonAir.
The Outlook for the Future
We have every confidence by your company which is becoming rapidly established during a difficult recessionary period will benefit considerably from an upturn in the general economy. There are, however, the number of factors which could affect us in due course. These our breakfast television (peak listening period), BBC Radio Devon scheduled for Exeter, and a national ILR channel which is being talked about.
General
To date we have achieved all that we set out to do. We are operating inside our budget and have a highly qualified staff under excellent management. We have set up two radio stations at less cost than other companies have set up a single station. This has not been achieved without considerable effort by your directors and all those associated with the company. My colleagues and I are particularly grateful to Thomson McLintock, our auditors, for their financial advice, Kitson, Dymond and Easterbrook for their legal advice and more Malcolm Chapman our architect who designed the Studios. I am particularly grateful to Maurice Vass for the valuable contribution he is made and who brought DevonAir to life.
Norman Devonport
Loan Stock
4th January 1980 the loan stock was raised to £310,000
35 – 37 St. David’s Hill, Exeter
Purchased 28th January 1980 for £60,000 became the company registered office on 23rd July 1980