Fresh start for radio station (From Craven Herald)
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Fresh start for radio station
4:40pm Sunday 22nd March 2009 in News
Re-launch: Julian Hotchkiss, left, and Roger Tempest
Craven’s Fresh Radio is celebrating a change of ownership and a new rural home.
Last year, the future looked grim for Fresh when its owner, the much-criticised Laser Broadcasting, went into administration.
But now, Fresh has been bought by its former station manager, Julian Hotchkiss, and the owner of Broughton Hall Estate, Roger Tempest.
The pair, who have formed Utopia Broadcasting Ltd, have been given a 12-year licence by radio authority OFCOM to broadcast on both AM and FM.
The radio station has moved from its premises in Firth Street, Skipton, to purpose-built studios at the Broughton Hall Business Park. Mr Tempest said it was a new dawn for Fresh.
“We have a very fine, committed team and the financial robustness to ensure Fresh has a solid future. We will make sure the Dales can be proud of their local radio station,” he said.
The station plans to broadcast on FM for most parts of the Dales and on DAB Digital by the end of the year.
Mr Hotchkiss said: “Fresh Radio is a great opportunity. We are optimistic for the future of the Dales station.”
