Radio North Angus, the voluntary organisation that operates an Independent Local Radio Station based within Arbroath Infirmary, and Hospital Broadcasting Stations at Stracathro Hospital and Forfar Infirmary, has received a substantial Grant from Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland.
The Trustees have allocated £6,400 as a contribution towards the installation of a computer-based Programme Management System, that will allow RNA, that broadcasts at Arbroath and Stracathro on 96.6 and 87.7 FM respectively, to improve and expand the output, and offer an enhanced service to organisations which work to the benefit of the community. At present, the radio stations at Arbroath and Stracathro broadcast between 7.30 am and 11.30pm each day, with Virgin Radio being relayed outwith these hours. The System will allow RNA to broadcast on a 24 hour a day basis, thus increasing locally-orientated programming.
Many small Independent Local Radio Stations cease output at times during the day when volunteers are scarce, but Radio North Angus has surmounted this obstacle. Although the vast majority of programmes are live, RNA is able to maintain a continual Service, by transmitting taped programmes, at certain times, through utilising cassette recorders with electronic timers.
The Programme Management System offers greater reliability, with the capability of inserting news bulletins and community announcements at times which are not presently possible, and ensure optimum continuity between programmes.
The facility to record programmes in minimum time, thus releasing studio facilities for functions designed to improve and expand the Service, is regarded as a distinct advantage by the Organisers.
Radio North Angus is very grateful to the Foundation Trustees, and it is intended to instal the System in the near future.
Anyone with an interest in joining RNA, or who would wish information broadcast, is invited to contact the Honorary Secretary:
Malcolm J B Finlayson,
11 Bankhead Crescent,
Arbroath,
DD11 2DP.
Tel 01241 871446
E-mail: info@radionorthangus.co.uk.