New shows launched, across the West Country

Somer Valley, the local radio station for North East Somerset, based in Midsomer Norton, continue to extend their reach, launch new shows, and meet listeners at outside events.

‘There is a gap. We are here to fill it, across the South West’. Richard Burgess, Station Manager of Somer Valley, detailed how the local radio station continues to grow, whilst ensuring local issues remain front and centre.

‘With BBC radio reducing their local broadcasts, combined with commercial radio stations moving towards more nationally orientated shows, this is the time for local radio to grow, shine, and ensure local communities are heard’. Richard continued; ‘we will always concentrate on Somer Valley matters. Midsomer Norton, Paulton, Peasedown St John, Radstock, Westfield and other parish councils we feature on a regular basis. All our fantastic organisations, supporting our communities, have a home here where they can share their news and information’.

Along with the 97.5FM transmitter across the North East Somerset area, DAB listening is also expanding. ‘Across Bristol you can hear us on DAB now’, said Richard. ‘Our team of Directors led our Ofcom application for DAB in Bath & North East Somerset. We are confident, over the next 12 months, that we will be heard in crystal clear quality from Chilcompton to Clifton’.

And into the Spring, more new shows launch. With over 15 hours each day of live and fresh shows, commercially-focussed during weekdays, speciality broadcasts evenings and weekends, there is a sound for everyone.

New presenters include Vira Navalihina with ‘Ukraine Show with Vira’, and Keira Jessica Marchant with her ‘Variety Show’. ‘Our new presenters I’m so excited about’, said Richard. ‘Kiera approached us from Bristol, having heard good things about Somer Valley. With her previous radio, social media and print skills and experience, expect media savvy great content. Vira is a Ukrainian refugee. Via our sponsors Curo we met. I’m pleased we’ll air a show in both English and Ukrainian, with content from each country. We’ll learn more about Ukrainian culture and history, and some language lessons too. We have over 400 refugees from Ukraine across Bath and North East Somerset. This is our little way of hopefully adding a little happiness for them’.

Along with these new shows, Somer Valley’s partner Sound Vision have developed James Paisey’s media and radio skills. James, currently at Bath College, has bagged himself his own show. And Rob Marks adds to his excellent Midday Magazine shows with a third slot on a Thursday.

2022 saw Somer Valley’s attendance at outside events dramatically increase after lockdown finished. They’ll be more this year.

‘Where to start?’ wondered Richard. ‘We love an outside event! Last year proved what an appetite these is across our area to live festivals. From the Jubilee celebrations through to the sold-out Outfield Festival, both interest and attendance levels were far higher than was expected’.

Events Somer Valley will be at this year:

• Midsomer Norton Farmer’s Market: first Saturday every month
• Wassail: Saturday 4 February
• Midsomer Norton Music Festival: Saturday 3 June
• Midsomer Norton Fayre: Saturday 8 July
• Valleyfest: Thursday 3 – Sunday 6 August
• Clutton Flower Show: Saturday 12 August
• Outfield festival: Sunday 27 August

With the Coronation, and other community planned events, further details will be shared on social media and Somer Valley’s website when announced.

‘A busy year in store’, added Richard, ‘make no mistake, we are here to support and delight our local listeners, support community events, sound great, and be the best radio station in the West’.

Find out more about your local radio station: www.somervalleyfm.co.uk