Press Release 09/12/2021
Radio Shields Goes Digital!
Radio Shields is proud to be an integral part of North East broadcasting history.
The community radio station, run entirely by volunteers from its South Shields studios, is
one of a handful of local broadcasters going live on DAB Digital Radio this weekend.
A special launch programme is being broadcast live from 10am on Saturday 11th
December. Special guests include North East TV legend Pam Royle, Leader of South
Tyneside Council Tracey Dixon and Managing Director of the Customs House Ray
Spencer.
It’s part of a UK first as Tynemouth and South Shields have won the race to roll-out the first
of the country’s brand new type of DAB radio system.
Teesside based firm MUX ONE has switched on the UK’s first permanent small-scale DAB
transmission system that will eventually bring 30 new radio stations to the region.
UK communications regulator Ofcom has spent the last six years planning and trialling the
new digital radio infrastructure that will eventually see over 200 systems across the UK
offering thousands of DAB radio stations.
Launched in 2019 as an internet-only radio station, Radio Shields broadcasts 24 hours a
day to South and North Tyneside from its studios on Westoe Road in the seaside town.
As well as providing a voice for local people and businesses, Radio Shields is committed
to offering training opportunities to young people and those from disenfranchised and
under-represented communities
Station Cheif Executive Kyle Scott said: “I’m thrilled to see Radio Shields launching on DAB, from
day one of setting the station up we’ve always put the community first and delivered
important news that matters to our community.”
“Launching on DAB means more people across South and North Tyneside will be able to
listen to our community station. They’ll be able to tune in easier from their kitchens, cars
and workplaces.”
Radio Shields presenter Paul Anderson, who has previously worked for the BBC, ITN and
Sky, said: “It’s a great place for anyone who wants to work in radio to get some experience
in the industry, whether they’re young or old.”
“As there are fewer opportunities in commercial radio for up and coming broadcasters,
community radio is the ideal place to gain experience and learn the skills needed for a
career in an extremely competitive industry.”
Radio Shields is entirely run by volunteers and any money raised goes back into running
costs.
The station is currently looking for more people to offer their time as presenters,
producers, reporters and administration staff. Anyone interested can email via the
website https://radioshields.co.uk/ or send a message to their Facebook page https://
www.facebook.com/radioshieldsofficial
No experience is necessary as full training will be given. Around half of the current
volunteers had no prior experience in radio before joining the station.
You can also listen to Radio Shields via their website https://radioshields.co.uk/, via mobile
apps (Android & iOS) by searching for “Radio Shields Official” or on smartspeakers such
as Amazon Alexa.
Radio Shields will be live on DAB radio from 10am on Saturday 11th December 2021.
Some older sets may need retuning to receive the signal.
Further background information can be found here:
https://www.commedia.org.uk/news/2021/11/first-ssdab-multiplex-launches/
https://www.muxone.uk