Martin is new head of Westport Community Radio

RADIO HEAD?Keith Martin

Martin is new head of Westport Community Radio


Keith Martin has been elected as the new head of Westport Radio where he’s overseeing the station’s ongoing development towards the provision of a full-time community radio service for the greater Westport area.
The position is sure to be a challenge but Keith, a trained journalist with an honours degree in Media Management and Production, feels that he is more than up for the challenge. “It’s an exciting time for the station as we work towards the end of our second 100-day licence from the Broadcast Authority of Ireland” says the new Station Chairman.
“We have learnt a lot over the last three years of broadcasting, be it online or FM broadcasting and we are preparing to make the next leap forward.”
Westport Radio (WRFM) was founded by Stephen O’Brien, Keith Martin, Judy Parker, Andy Martin and Jim Reynolds in 2010.  They were soon joined by Cllr Michael McLaughlin, Mick Kelly, John Tiernan, Julie Gavin and Karen O’Reilly.  Cllr Tereasa McGuire came on board in 2011 as a Director nominated by Westport Town Council.  
Leader funding of €30,000 was granted by the South West Mayo Development Company in 2011 and Westport Town Council has made a contribution of €21,000 over the last two years which has been used to build and run the station’s studios off James Street.
According to Keith, the station “receives huge support and goodwill from the community and WRFM has built up an impressive listenership for their Saturday and Sunday programming.
“We’re grateful for all of that, and we owe a special thanks, also, to all our members and volunteers, past and present for all their hard work and contributions.
WRFM is now planning new programming and will be launching a campaign to promote shopping locally over the summer.  Plans are also afoot for the launch of an affordable sponsorship scheme to allow local businesses to sponsor programming and funding is being sought for full time management and staff.
Keith explains “WRFM will now seek to build on our success to ensure new programming, for and by, the local community.  Currently we are revaluating our schedule for the Spring and we will be launching details of that very shortly.
“As always we are open to those interested in any aspect of community radio, be it, presenting, production, office work, or anything.  All anyone has to do is make an appointment to see us and they can pitch their show or idea to us.  We are particularly interested in cultural, historical and news events and current affairs programming.  So anyone with any ideas should get in touch to make an appointment on 098 24000.”
All positions with the station are unpaid and WRFM is run by a team of dedicated volunteers supported by the members.  Membership is open to all from just €10 per year.  More details on www.wrfm.ie or on 098 24000.