When Star Radio was acquired by Bauer and rebranded as Greatest Hits Radio, local radio died a little more for South Cambridgeshire.
The familiar local voices, community focus, and grassroots connection that once defined local broadcasting have left a noticeable gap, one that a new radio project is now aiming to fill for the SG8 Villages and surrounding area.
Launching on 1st August for a two-week broadcast, this brand-new local radio station will operate as a trial period, designed to demonstrate the appetite for truly local radio in the area. The short-term run will allow the team to showcase what community-driven broadcasting can look like, while gathering feedback, building an audience, and laying the foundations for something much bigger. The long-term vision is clear: to develop this into a full-time station that serves North Herts and South Cambs on an ongoing basis.
Based locally within the SG8 Villages area, the station will have a strong community heartbeat – putting the surrounding villages right at the centre of its programming. People across Royston and the SG8 Villages will be able to get directly involved, whether that’s contributing stories, promoting local events, supporting community groups, or even stepping behind the microphone themselves. The aim is to create something that truly reflects the voices and interests of the communities it serves.
Alongside this local focus, the station will shine a wider spotlight on community groups, charities, and initiatives across the region. From interviews and features to music and discussion, programming will celebrate the people and organisations that make the area unique.
As part of the launch, the station is aiming to broadcast on DAB for the full two-week period, helping it reach as many listeners as possible across the area. In addition, listeners will be able to tune in online and via smart speakers, making it easy to listen at home or on the go.
This is a collaborative effort, and the station is actively seeking people who want to be part of it. Whether you’re an experienced presenter or someone who has always wanted to try radio, there are opportunities to get involved. The project welcomes fresh voices, new ideas, and anyone with a passion for sharing stories or connecting with others.
To bring this vision to life, funding is essential. The team is currently looking for sponsors, supporters, and partners who recognise the value of local media and want to help make it happen. Contributions will support equipment, production, and the overall running of the station during its launch period.
If you’re interested in presenting, supporting the project, or simply learning more, you’re encouraged to get in touch. This is a chance to help rebuild something truly local in radio that reflects and celebrates the community it serves.
This August, the airwaves could once again belong to the community.
For more information or to get involved, email hello@meridian1.co.uk
To find out more, visit www.meridian1.co.uk
