Athlone Community Radio Secures New 10-Year Broadcasting Licence

Athlone Community Radio Secures New 10-Year Broadcasting Licence.

Athlone Community Radio (88.4FM) is thrilled to announce the signing of their new 10-year broadcasting licence on the 2nd of July at the offices of Coimsiún na Meán.

This significant milestone was marked by the presence of Coimsiún na Meán Commissioners Jeremy Godfrey and Rónán Ó Domhnaill, alongside Athlone Community Radio’s Chairperson Alona Rock and Director Deirdre Ó Murchadha. The formal signing ensures the continuation of a vital local broadcasting service.

Since securing its first pilot temporary licence in 2008, Athlone Community Radio has been at the heart of the community. They received their first full 10-year licence in 2011, and have since offered a platform that informs, entertains, and connects the people of Athlone. The new licence is a testament to their commitment to providing a voice to the community and reflects the hard work and dedication of their Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and supporters.

Community Benefits and Services

Athlone Community Radio serves as a valuable resource for local news, cultural programming, and educational content. Their station keeps residents informed about what’s happening in and around Athlone, from local news and events to special features that highlight community activities. Through their programmes, they showcase the rich cultural heritage of the local area, as well as music, interviews, and special features that celebrate local talent and traditions. Additionally, their educational programmes provide information on various topics, including health, local history, and more, contributing to the knowledge and well-being of their listeners.

One of the core strengths of Athlone Community Radio is their commitment to community voices. They offer a platform for local groups, charities, and individuals to share their stories and promote their initiatives, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard and valued. Their team includes staff and volunteers with a wide range of abilities, providing a safe space for everyone to thrive creatively. They offer support and encouragement to help overcome challenges.

The Role of the Team

The success of Athlone Community Radio is driven by the passionate efforts of their dedicated team. Their committed staff ensures the smooth operation of the station, managing everything from programming and production to administration and technical support. They are also proud to have a robust volunteer base that contributes time, talent, and energy. Volunteers help produce shows, conduct interviews, and engage with the community, making their programming diverse and dynamic. Furthermore, they actively encourage community participation. This inclusive approach ensures their content reflects the interests and needs of the community they serve, creating a stronger bond between the station and its audience.

Support and Funding

Athlone Community Radio, a non-profit organisation, extends its heartfelt thanks to all the supporters who make their service possible. The station operates with financial support from sources such as Pobal’s Community Services Programme (CSP), Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound & Vision Funding Scheme, and grants from Westmeath County Council.

While this support provides essential funding, Athlone Community Radio also relies on revenue from local businesses and social enterprises through advertising, sponsorship, and outside broadcasts to help cover costs.

These partnerships are mutually beneficial; local businesses gain exposure, reaching a local audience, enhancing their visibility and strengthening their ties to the community, while the financial support assists the station in maintaining and expanding its services.

Some of the local businesses and organisations that have shown long-standing support for Athlone Community Radio include The Sound Factory, Arcadia Retail Park, Flancare, St. Hilda’s Services, Glasson Craft Gallery, Viking Tours Ireland, Eddie Rockets Athlone, Athlone Credit Union, Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors, Home Instead, St Kieran’s Community Centre, Midlands Polish Community, Athlone Castle, and Westmeath Volunteer Centre.

A Bright Future Ahead

With the new licence in place, Athlone Community Radio looks forward to continuing their mission of fostering community spirit, promoting local culture, and providing a trusted source of information and entertainment. They remain committed to enhancing their services and exploring new opportunities to engage with and benefit the community.

Chairperson Alona Rock expressed her excitement: “Securing this licence is a significant achievement for Athlone Community Radio. It reflects our commitment to the community and the important role we play in bringing people together. We are grateful to Coimsiún na Meán for their support and look forward to the next decade of broadcasting excellence.”

Director Deirdre Ó Murchadha added: “This new licence attests to the hard work and dedication of our team at Athlone Community Radio. We are very excited about the future and the opportunities to continue serving the community in Athlone and surrounds.”

Manager Roy Connaughton said: “We are very excited about the next 10 years and further development of Athlone Community Radio. Thank you to our team and everyone involved in the application and contracting process.”

For more information, please contact:

Athlone Community Radio

Phone: 090 6490722

Email: info@athlonecommunityradio.ie

Website: athlonecommunityradio.ie

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