Programme Director Luke Hashman reflects on the journey…
Today marks eight years since Wycombe Sound first went live on 106.6 FM on 31st October 2016. Following three years of hard work by a wide range of volunteers, including temporary broadcasts in the winters of 2013, 2014 and 2015, in April 2016 Ofcom awarded Wycombe Sound a five-year licence and work immediately began to prepare for our launch later that year.
We are now more than halfway through our second five-year licence period, and the station continues to be entirely volunteer run. We initially set up Wycombe Sound because the local radio landscape in Buckinghamshire saw High Wycombe and its surrounding villages fall into a media black hole, not picked up by London-based stations but too far out to be covered by stations in Oxford and with our local BBC station based in Bedfordshire, coverage from them was also minimal. During recent years, the local radio landscape has become markedly bleaker, with further scaling back by both the BBC and local commercial radio stations, whose output is increasingly networked for national broadcast.
Radio is an intensely personal medium, a conversation between presenter and listener. Being able to relate to a presenter and have something in common with them is the key to truly great radio. Being a voluntary organisation, everybody at Wycombe Sound is committed to what they do – our motivation is the listener, not a commercial interest. Through wide-ranging content, from specialist music to comprehensive sports coverage, local journalism and conversation with the people who make our community, Wycombe Sound has given a platform to countless people in the South Bucks area. Some have had initiatives to promote, achievements to celebrate, valuable causes to share; some have gone on to become presenters themselves.
Through their involvement, many of our volunteers have gained new skills and confidence. Some have gone on to forge broadcasting careers with national broadcasters. Others have achieved recognition in national awards in the radio sector. Many have found a new passion. Our community of volunteers is always growing, with people from all walks of life, all levels of experience, and an age range that spans more than 70 years. We strive to give everybody a platform and a voice. For some, they have also come away with a renewed sense of purpose.
Working with local partners, we have used our facilities to enable members of our community to develop their skills and work towards returning to employment after long periods out of work. During this election year, we were able to give hundreds of local people a voice, putting your questions directly to the candidates looking to be your next MP, in a package of coverage that has been shortlisted for a national award.
Wycombe Sound is far more than just a radio station that plays music and features local voices. It is a powerful, community-based mission to promote all that is great about our area, and those who live and work here.
Thank you to everyone who has played a part in our journey over the years – from all those who have volunteered with us, including many who have given very long periods of service – to everyone who interacts with us, supports the organisation and its development. Thank you to local businesses who have shown us invaluable support over the years, through advertising with us, partnership working, and ongoing collaboration. Finally, thank you for listening. You are the reason we do what we do, and it has been a privilege to be on the airwaves for eight years.
Exciting times and a bright future lie ahead, and we can’t wait to carry on the work we all so enjoy.
Managing Director Liam Gates adds:
The volunteers are the life and soul of Wycombe Sound, and I thank every single one for the part that they play. Anyone can build a studio but when the community comes together to celebrate all that is good locally, that’s when something really special forms.
Having been a volunteer since the early days of the station, it’s been wonderful seeing the station evolve and to now being part of the team leading us forward on the next chapter, I’m excited hearing it play out!
I’d also like to thank you for tuning in, for your companionship over the airwaves and for making Wycombe Sound part of your day.
