Why limit yourself to listening?

As technology marches onwards one of the major benefits is the ease with which quality programmes can be made, and the relatively low cost.

Age UK is increasingly looking to radio as a way of supporting older people and giving them a voice. And the recent appointment of a National Broadcasting Development Officer, John Cotcher, is an indication of their commitment.

Part of John’s job is to help people make their own programmes and even perhaps establish their own stations. As you might expect John thinks it’s well worth the effort.

Of his experience establishing a station for ‘mature listeners’ in Birkenhead, John said: ‘It was hard work, but we had a great time, well worth the sweat and tears. Every single person that took part – whether they were a broadcaster, producer, station manager or technician – put their name down to: 'do more radio.’

By all accounts then, a popular activity. But if you’re keen on making a programme, or setting up a station, where do you start?

Back to John: I’d be pleased to speak to any individual, or any group, about what they’ve got in mind – regardless of their level of experience, or lack of it. True there are very good radio guides and manuals but it helps to have a human being answer your questions and provide contacts and suggestions. If people feel it would help for me to visit them I’d be more than happy to.’

Where else might you get some guidance?

Seeing how others are doing it is often an efficient way to start, helping you to decide whether, or how, you want to proceed. You may have a local, non-commercial, community station in your neighbourhood, and most major hospitals have their own stations. They’re often looking for volunteers and are able to provide free training.

You could talk to your local Council for Voluntary Service about media projects in your town. What’s on offer will differ in different parts of the country, but they are a good start for any community development initiatives.

Many local colleges run media departments. Speaking to the right member of staff can get you helpful guidance, studio facilities and the assistance of willing and technically-savvy students.

The BBC has a charter that commits them to six public purposes, at least one of which covers training and community involvement. You might imagine they would be your competitors but in fact they’re there to help.

Your local newspaper is a very efficient way of letting other people know about what you’ve got planned. The more people that are involved the more creditable your idea looks – an important consideration if you’re going to need some funding.

How about some general ballpark figures, now, for what it might cost?

John told us: ‘Of course it depends on what you want to do. If it’s your own temporary FM station you’ll need about £6000 to £8000 and an enthusiastic team who’ll make programmes, raise money, apply for licences, undertake training, set up a studio, and publicise the station. The internet option is far cheaper, but you limit your audience to people who might listen to the radio through their computer.

If you want to make a single programme then producing it won’t be that difficult, but finding a station that will broadcast it might be harder.’

So quite a bit to be thinking about, but handy that there’s someone here at AgeUK you can call.

John again: ‘My job is to help people to make the programmes they want. If they’ve got an idea they should get in touch. If they’ve got a query they should contact me. If they need convincing that radio isn’t pie-in-the-sky but eminently do-able then I’m their man!’

We think he probably means it, so give him a call. It seems you don’t need to limit yourself to listening to radio, you can jolly well make it!

John Cotcher, the National Broadcasting Development Officer can be contacted on 0151 647 4720 or at john.cotcher@ageuk.org.uk