Threat of radio station closure 'devastating'

Air 107.2 FM means "a lot" to the community, the station's fundraising director said

The closure of an at-risk radio station would leave a "massive void in the local community", the station's fundraising director has said.

Air 107.2 FM, a community radio station serving Weymouth and Portland, Dorset, needs to raise £12,000 to secure its future.

Fundraising director Kallum Gethins said the station, which was run entirely by volunteers, "means a lot to the local community".

"Every donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference," he said.

Air 107.2 FM costs about £18,000 per year to run, including transmission fees and licence costs.

Mr Gethins said the target of £12,000 would help the station not only survive the current crisis but also to find "long-term solutions to ensure the station’s sustainability".

The station is also holding a Save Air fundraising day at the Centenary Club on Weymouth on 9 August, to help achieve its financial target as well as getting the local community involved.

Sharon Stone, director of volunteers and finance, said the station's volunteers "pour their hearts" into it because "they believe in the power of community radio".

"We do everything from maintaining social media channels and updating the website to creating engaging programmes," she said.

"The threat of closure is devastating, not just for us, but for everyone who relies on Air 107.2 FM for news, music and connection."

Air is asking for financial contributions via the station's fundraising page, as well as appealing for anyone who wants to volunteer to get in touch.