Radio listeners across the Aire and Wharfe Valleys are about to get a new station to tune into with the launch next month of Rombalds Radio.
We'll cover local news and events in Ilkley, Skipton, Keighley and other surrounding towns and villages.
Rombalds Radio is a digital radio station which has been set up by local radio professionals Nick Babb and Stuart Clarkson.
Nick, from Ilkley, is a former presenter on stations including Radio Aire, Magic 828, Stray FM and Fresh Radio, where he was in charge of programmes and music.
Silsden resident Stuart has been a presenter and journalist on stations including Yorkshire Dales Radio, Fresh, Stray, Real Radio, Smooth and BBC Radio 5 Live.
Both already run hyperlocal news sites for their hometowns - Nick founded the hugely successful lkley Chat in 2013, while Stuart launched SilsdenToday earlier this year.
Rombalds Radio takes its name from Rombalds Moor which runs right through the area, and will be available to listen to online through this website, via a free smartphone app and on smart speakers. We also hope to broadcast on DAB digital radio when a new multiplex for the area is licensed in the next couple of years.
The station will have a number of ‘giant’ themed features, in a nod to Rombald the Giant who is said to have lived in the Neolithic Age and ‘created’ features such as the Cow and Calf by splitting rocks as he leapt across the valley. A statue of Rombald has been a key feature of Keighley town centre’s shopping area since the late 1960s.
Nick Babb said: “With more than half of radio listening now being via digital platforms it’s the right time to launch Rombalds Radio, which will be proudly local at a time when other stations are becoming more national. We’ve created a unique station that will benefit local community groups, businesses and residents - and will play great music from the last five decades too.”
Stuart Clarkson added: "Between us, Nick and I have not only got backgrounds in broadcasting and audio production but also PR, marketing, web development, business and events experience - so we hope we can offer a great service to local businesses, residents and community groups through our radio station, app and website."
Rombalds Radio will launch in early August and news of our other presenters will be announced soon!
Head to our About us page to find out more - and click here for full details of how you'll be able to tune in on different devices.
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