Housing saves the budding radio stars

A school has moved a step closer to launching its own radio station after securing a grant from Walsall Housing Group (whg) to get the project up and running.

Willenhall School Sports College approached whg for financial assistance after deciding to launch its own radio station and was awarded £2,840 from the housing association’s Local Neighbourhood Fund.

The fund was launched last year to support projects which benefit the community and has supported a number of initiatives across Walsall from youth clubs to helping sports teams.

Rob Gilham, whg’s director of housing services, said: “The Local Neighbourhood Fund aims to help boost community spirit by supporting projects that make a difference and we felt the radio station at Willenhall School Sports College would be an asset to the school and is a project we are delighted to be involved with.”

The radio station is being launched to develop student-led activities and build on the success of its existing school video news team.

Richard While-Cooper, assistant head of ICT at Willenhall School Sports College, said: “We are extremely grateful to whg for their support as it will prove vital in getting the project off the ground.”

It is hoped the station will be launched early next year and it is envisaged it will broadcast either live or pre-recorded content during school breaks and lunchtimes with a possibility of it also being on air before and after school.

The school, in Furzebank Way, Willenhall, is seeking further sponsorship to buy all of the necessary equipment and is looking for support in training pupils how to develop radio programmes from managing the station to presenting on air.

ENDS