Traders air radio views
Service from local radio
TORQUAY Chamber of Trade does not want to see the new local radio station given over entirely to pop music.
Members felt there should be a balanced programme with music catering for all tastes, local news and traffic bulletins and information for the holidaymakers.
The Independent Broadcasting Authority invited the Chamber’s views on what type of station members felt would best serve the locality.
“Local radio is an alternative form of advertising and another means of highlighting our town,” chairman Mr Ronald Oates told yesterday’s meeting.
“These people are going to sell space to you so I think they will listen to your views. They are not interested in the people who switch on the radio because they get no money from them. The money comes from the traders.”
Representatives from three prospective radio stations — competing for the local radio franchise in Torbay — spoke to Paignton Chamber of Trade last night.
Television personality, Keith Fordyce, of Radio Haldon, said a local radio station would provide an essential service to the community.
“Each company is fighting for the contract. The IBA will choose the one with the best ideas to benefit the area,” said Mr Fordyce.
The station in Torbay would be linked to Exeter and should be operating within 12 months — the first twin station in the country.
The projected coverage in Torbay is 190,000 people on VHF and 170,000 on the medium wave.
Between 40 and 60 per cent of each local radio’s income comes from advertising, so it is vital that this revenue is protected. “When it shrinks, we shrink,” said Mr Brian Woodworth, director of Riviera Radio.
Mr Tony Boyce, of Bay City Radio, said that local businessmen would be able to advertise on the radio at a reasonably cheap rate.
“Local radio can fill the gaps that other media leave. The Plymouth Sound radio rate is £11 for 15 seconds, that is a good guideline. Whoever is driving the bus, whether it’s Bay City, Radio Haldon or Riviera, you must all be passengers,” said Mr Boyce.
The chamber had been asked to submit their views to the IBA this month, taking into consideration the needs of the community.
Mr Alan Salvidge said that a police call would be beneficial to local businessmen.
“Last summer I was caught by a conman who was bouncing cheques throughout the country. If we had a police call on the radio giving information, these kind of people could be caught quickly,” said Mr Salvidge.
Members will also be giving their views and ideas at a public meeting on June 18 at Oldway, Paignton.
“Whoever wins the franchise we will support them,” said Mr Doug Urch, president of the chamber.
