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OFCOM HAS GRANTED US A LICENCE!

After not a lot happening at Mearns FM it has suddenly got interesting.  Ofcom has granted us a licence to broadcast from three transmitters in Stonehaven, Laurencekirk and Inverbervie and we are now on the lookout for funding and studio sites.  The Town Hall consultation has proposed a radio studio in the backstage dressing rooms or the floor below, and all sorts of ideas are flying round for the old coastguard station at Dunnottar. Cllrs Wendy Agnew and Alasdair Gardner have suggested it would perhaps make a home for us.  See our “cuttings” section. What do you think?  Let us know!

And we are close to starting streaming now, so you can start recording and “learning by doing” is probably the best way.  There is lots of help out there, but all you need is a computer, a USB microphone to plug into it (£15), an MP3 recorder if you want to be out and about, and free software such as Audacity.

Our very own Ian Hunter has been running courses on Audacity, and if you are interested in coming along to the next one then get in touch.  A useful basic guide can be found on the BT website.  Click on the “Internet Radio for Schools” on our links page.

Please note that we are particularly interested in Spoken Word recordings just now.  To broadcast copyright music not only means PPL and PRS licensing, but also royalties. The cost is not huge, but depends on the number of listeners so can be hard to gauge. For say an hour long programme, would you be able to raise £30 from a local business wanting to sponsor your broadcast?  Any of the office bearers will be happy to discuss ideas, technical issues or funding with you.  Please call.

Web Poll Would you support a community radio station based in Stonehaven? Yes - and I want to help Yes - I want to hear it! No thanks. Powered by Perseus ExpressPoll web survey software   PLUS CA CHANGE at MEARNS FM Do you remember Stonehaven Community Radio?  A decade ago (can it really be that long?) it broadcast on Restricted Service Licenses (“RSLs”). Now that licenses are cheaper and the technology is friendlier, it is time to get on the air again! The group has been meeting again regularly since early 2005, and probably some time in 2008 we will start regular broadcasts, We have a now been granted charitable status by the Scottish Charities Regulator, OSCR.  The most recent AGM was held on August 2007 and the office bearers are: Ian Hunter Convenor (Tel: 01569 760301) Raymond Christie Treasurer (Tel: 01569 764557) Doug McKelvie Vice convenor (Tel: 07709 327646) Charlie Sands Secretary (Tel: 01569 760321) The group is not a company limited by guarantee. and we continue to hold “open” meetings and to encourage everyone - not just committee members - to attend. The meetings are usually at 7.30 pm on the third Wednesday of the month at Stonehaven Town Hall (backstage dressing room -downstairs). You are very welcome to attend, but you may want to ‘phone one of us to check the arrangements.  We are running training courses for community workers and others, and visits to nearby groups are also planned. See the Documents page for copies of the Agendas and Minutes of the steering group.

You are very welcome to become a member of Mearns Community Radio Ltd. You can download an application form here.  Individuals need to be nominated by a local group, and local groups in turn need to be recognised by Aberdeenshire Council or a local community council. Details are on the form.

And finally a word for our sponsors and helpers ...  THANKS !!!

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