University News Last updated 29 July 2020
Visiting Lecturer and alumna Peni Whelan has set up an Emergency COVID-19 FM radio station to support the mental health of Birmingham's over-50's through the crisis.
MA Media Production alumna and visiting lecturer Peni Whelan has created Hope Radio, a temporary FM Emergency COVID-19 radio station based in south Birmingham.
Licensed by OFCOM since May 8th 2020, Hope Radio will continue to broadcast a 24-hour service on 87.9 FM and online via its website until 5th September 2020.
Aimed at those aged over 50, who may not have access to, or do not desire to access the Internet, Hope Radio has been funded by NNS Selly Oak and Heart of England Foundation Trust, as a way for listeners and volunteers to share experiences, send messages to friends and family, show support for essential workers, and sustain a positive mental attitude.
Hope Radio was set up by Peni alongside a group of Midlands creatives as part of Brum Community Media, a platform created in March 2020 for Birmingham creatives to share, collaborate and network, which has since branched out into various projects, including the station.
“Poetry has been particularly popular,” Peni commented. "It was decided that, as part of our on-going work to connect with our community, we would invite our listeners to submit a single line of poetry that could then be woven into a tapestry of a larger community poem to create a totally original piece of work. The results have been staggering with people from all walks of life sending us their lines and recording themselves reading their contributions for broadcast. So much so that we have split the work into 2 poems which will be available on the website and on air soon."
“I’ve been involved in community radio for years. Hope Radio is really aimed at those who might be isolated by their lack of internet during lockdown. It’s been a big team effort; everyone’s pulled together to make it happen.
“We have a range of shows – music, poetry, Brummie stories and even the Tech Talk.”
Created by fellow BCU alumna Pauline Roche, Tuesday Tech Talk helps listeners learn how to use technology and feel more comfortable in the digital world.
MA Data Journalism alumna Pauline has been involved with Hope Radio from the start, with support also coming from Associate Professor in Radio Production Dr Sam Coley.
As well as this, the team has been sending out Postcards for Hope, delivered with food packages, which invite people to write a request, a poem or story, or a message of support on a postcard. The postcards are collected by a Postie for Hope, and make their way back to the station.
Hope Radio and Brum Community Media are looking for any volunteers willing to offer their time or expertise to support the station. In particular, they are in need of support with social media, photographers, newsreaders, presenters, jingle makers, researchers, postcard distributers, audio editors, voice actors or PR/Marketing support. Contact brumcommunitymedia@gmail.com to get involved.
Peni added: “We’re also looking for Brummie stories for our feature, Tales of the Second City. Anyone who writes about their experiences in Birmingham is welcome to send in a tale!”
Future projects in the offing currently include a virtual reality art exhibition, an art competition and a virtual reality music concert.
Keep an eye out for more from Brum Community Media on their Facebook page.