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York’s new radio station goes digital only a year after launch

Broadcasters Chris Marsden (left) and Dougie Weake celebrate the launch of Vale Radio DAB services at the Memorial Hall, Haxby. Photographs: Nigel Holland

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Just over a year ago a new radio station began broadcasting from rooms at Haxby Memorial Hall.

And in double quick time Vale Radio has gone digital – with the grant of a DAB digital radio licence.

Already 400k people listen to DAB in North Yorkshire. Now Vale Radio will be joining the likes of BBC 6 Music on the service, bringing its music and local information to more listeners.

Vale’s co-director Chris Marsden gathered the team together to celebrate the start of the DAB chapter in Haxby on Monday (October 5).

He said:

We are five years ahead of schedule and can’t believe it.

The support we have received over the past 14 months has been amazing and we hope to give back to the local area a real dedicated local radio service that used to be the cement of everyday lives over 30 years ago!

It’s thanks to our community partners that have helped sustain our valued service and continue to do so.

‘Ethical radio’

Chris Mardsen and Dougie Weake count down to the DAB launch at Vale Radio
Chris Mardsen and Dougie Weake count down to the DAB launch at Vale Radio

Vale Radio is a not-for-profit limited company run by volunteers, with a team of 25 people.

It broadcasts a mix of music, including classical, country, pop, rock, folk and brass bands.

Vale co-director Dougie Weake said:

Over the past 14 months, we have managed to help raise in excess of £60,000 for charity.

This year, we hope to help raise even more, using our not-for-profit status.

It’s really a kind of ethical radio, where our advertisers and sponsors help run the radio station and all profits, we pay back to the community in the form of grant schemes.