Keighley Big Local to launch its own radio station

Keighley Big Local in West Yorkshire is set to launch its own radio station, in partnership with a number of other local organisations, and they’re inviting Keighley residents to get involved!

Known as ‘Keighley On Aire’ – the River Aire runs through the town – it promises to provide a mix of music, discussions and plays as well as recordings of public meetings and information about local events.

A series of get-togethers to discuss launching a web-based radio station were held back in October and November. Next week (Jan 20) Keighley On Aire will host its inaugural meeting to appoint a management committee and draft a constitution.

But this is not just some vanity project for people who fancy themselves as the next Scott Mills or Jo Whiley and there will be a number of roles available that will allow people to learn every aspect of running a radio station.

Keighley Big Local coordinator Shaun O’Hare explained “It will provide all sorts of opportunity for participation, from technical know-how, researching and presenting, and developing skills that can lead to employment and lifelong hobbies.”

“The aim is to create a resident-led sphere where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and be heard – and have a bit of fun doing just that!”

The project is a collaboration between several organisations including Keighley College, which will handle the day to day running of the station. Match-funding was provided by Community Led Local Development Keighley and shows will be broadcast from the nearby Jam On Top rehearsal and recording studios.

Other partners include Keighley’s Youth Service and Hainworth Community Centre.

In total, Keighley Big Local has invested £60,000. which not only goes towards the radio station but will also support an apprenticeship project with the Youth Service, and a development worker at the community centre.

However, there is no truth in the rumour that the station will only play wall to wall tunes by Keighley-born artists including the Kaiser Chiefs’ Ricky Wilson and Terrorvision…