A COMMUNITY radio station could now go digital and get a second studio following a cash boost by supporters.

Witney Radio – which is west Oxfordshire's only dedicated radio station – has received funds from The Jim Cousins Trust, Bartlett Taylor Charitable Trust and a donation from the organisers of the Charlbury Beer Festival.

The Jim Cousins Trust was set up to assist young people in West Oxfordshire with their development through the funding of educational and sporting endeavours.

The trust has previously supported Witney Radio in its work with Abingdon and Witney College and this year supports a new project with Wood Green School. The School Takeover sees 12 pupils from Year 7 take part in six sessions designed to support them to create their own radio show to air on Boxing Day.

The project also aims to increase confidence in young people and ultimately improve their skills for the future.

Funding was also received from Bartlett Taylor Charitable Trust which will help the radio station look towards DAB. Witney Radio would then be able to supply West Oxfordshire with a series of new digital stations broadcast from the local area.

The station is looking for other groups to broadcast their own digital output.

Funds donated by Charlbury Beer Festival will go towards the setting up of a second studio.

The beer festival has raised £225,000 for good causes in 21 years. During that time, 650 different beers have been served. Next year's festival will take place on Saturday, June 27.

Barry Clack, Witney Radio’s station director, said: “This is a great time for radio in West Oxfordshire.

“Giving the listener more choice is important.

“There is huge scope for developing more radio with the creative ideas of people in West Oxfordshire.”

Witney Radio operations manager Grant Grindley said: “Our range of programming is eclectic, from keeping listeners updated with local news and traffic as it happens to specialist shows such as jazz, rock and new music.

“This choice is not currently available on local radio to listeners.”

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From the inception of Witney Radio as an online station in 2012 to the launch on FM in 2017, it claims to have brought back local radio to the community.

It broadcasts to a potential audience of 57,000 listeners on FM and could go out to a possible 77,000 on DAB, once launched.

DAB applications are to be launched by Ofcom in early 2020.

Witney Radio has already declared a position of interest to hold the licence for DAB in West Oxfordshire.

The station can be heard in West Oxfordshire on FM radio at 99.9FM, online or on a smart speaker. The station is live 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A total of 26 presenters contribute towards the various shows.

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Witney Radio would like to hear from prospective broadcasters who want to join its digital platform. Email dab@witneyradio.co.uk

Those wanting to present a show at the station, or help in any other capacity, can get involved by emailing volunteer@witneyradio.co.uk.