Community radio station holds second networking day and a dinner celebrating 10th anniversary of broadcasting

Directors and managers of community radio stations from across the UK converged on Melton on Saturday to take part in an information and networking event organised by 103 The Eye.
103 The Eye presenter Keith Galloway (right) with Liam Burke, from Broadcast Radio Ltd, who demonstrated studio and playout systems during the networking day EMN-160418-114658001103 The Eye presenter Keith Galloway (right) with Liam Burke, from Broadcast Radio Ltd, who demonstrated studio and playout systems during the networking day EMN-160418-114658001
103 The Eye presenter Keith Galloway (right) with Liam Burke, from Broadcast Radio Ltd, who demonstrated studio and playout systems during the networking day EMN-160418-114658001

And the station continued celebrating its 10th anniversary of broadcasting to Melton and the Vale of Belvoir with a fundraising dinner in the evening.

Both events took place in civic suite at Melton Council’s Parkside offices.

Stations from as far afield as Dorset, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Essex and Hampshire were represented at the daytime conference which saw the official launch of the Community Radio Awards, a new national initiative to showcase excellence in the sector.

It featured speakers from some of the 22 individual radio stations who attended as well as representatives of the Community Media Association, Community Radio Foundation and South-East Radio Hub, Birmingham City University Media School and the BBC.

There were displays and demonstrations of studio and broadcast equipment by suppliers to the industry and delegates also had the opportunity to network informally.

Christine Slomkowska, managing director of 103 The Eye, said: “This was our second annual networking day, building upon the success of last year’s inaugural event.

“It gave those who run stations a chance to meet up and exchange information and advice on good practice in the industry and we are very grateful to JL Morris (Insurance Brokers) Ltd who kindly sponsored the event for the second time.”

Those attending the evening dinner included Mayor of Melton councillor Jeanne Douglas, Mayor of Rushcliffe councillor Francis Purdue-Horan and representatives of local organisations with which the station has worked over the years. It was compered by 103 The Eye presenter Mark Frisby and there was a cabaret performance by singer Tony Shaw.

Awards were presented to two long-serving members of the 103 The Eye team - presenter Tracey Dene Powell, who joined the station in 2008 and currently hosts the Monday Drivetime show, and Peter Butler who has provided media support since 2006, both on the air and out and about in the community.

Proceeds from the dinner - yet to be finalised - will be spent on repairs and improvements to the station’s Melton studio and a donation will also go to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

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