A new radio station is being launched in east Hull. Ofcom has awarded an FM community radio licence to Hull Kingston Radio, which is based at the KC Lightstream Stadium.
The station will soon be offering a 24-hour-a-day FM service in the east Hull area and hopes to be the first community radio station to broadcast on DAB. A feed can be heard on its website.Programme director Pete Mills said: "We're incredibly excited at the prospects, including educating, training and giving work experience to the presenters and station supporters of the future.
"This is about getting the good news about east Hull out to the masses, so people can realise there is some good here.
"I'm from east Hull myself and the area does not get the credit it deserves, so it is about time we have a radio station that promotes businesses and people around the area."
Test transmissions are under way and Hull Kingston Radio is expected to be fully up and running within the next few weeks.
Although it has no affiliation with Hull KR, the station will broadcast from the stadium and will commentate on Rovers' games.
Mr Mills has long hoped to establish a radio station in an area where he grew up.
He said: "I have a lot of experience in radio, working with Viking, KCFM and WHCR, but I always wanted to do something for east Hull.
"So I approached Hull KR director Malcolm Scott. He shared the same dream and it went from there."
Mr Mills hopes to employ local volunteers.
He said: "As much as it is important to promote the area, this is also about developing opportunities for the people of east Hull and giving them skills to gain further employment.
"The skills they can learn here can be replicated in any job, so it is a perfect opportunity for people to make the most of something and gain some valuable experience.
"A lot of people don't understand how much there is to do in a radio station; beyond presenting, there is planning, sound, direction and a whole range of jobs, so there is something for everyone."
Hull KR director Malcolm Scott said: "Hull Kingston Radio is a significant step forward to engage even more with the east Hull residents and businesses."It will increase the influence of the club and the east Hull community in the wider regional area."
"The station will be attractive to services and businesses that wish to have first-rate promotion at minimal costs.
"I'm certain the quality of production, content and presentation will be just what the listener wants."
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