Why We Are Starting a Community Radio Station for the 1066 Area

Bringing Hastings, Bexhill and Battle Together

We are starting a new community radio station for the **Hastings, Bexhill and Battle area – the 1066 area – because we believe our local communities deserve a radio service that is genuinely focused on the people, organisations, businesses, events, stories and issues that matter to them.

The 1066 area is home to a diverse range of communities, voluntary organisations, charities, community groups, local businesses, musicians, artists, sports clubs and individuals who all contribute to the character of the area. However, there is currently a gap in dedicated community-focused radio provision serving the area as a whole.

Our aim is to help fill that gap.

Building Community Cohesion

At the heart of the station will be community cohesion.

Radio can be much more than music. It can provide a platform for local people to talk about their communities, celebrate achievements, promote local events and raise awareness of organisations and services that residents may otherwise never discover.

We want to give local groups, charities, community organisations and individuals an opportunity to have their voices heard.

The station will encourage people from across Hastings, Bexhill, Battle and the surrounding communities to connect with one another. By sharing local stories and experiences, we hope to strengthen understanding between different parts of the 1066 area and encourage greater participation in community life.

A Voice for the 1066 Area

The station will provide a platform for:

• Local news and community information

• Local events and activities

• Charities and voluntary organisations

• Community groups and projects

• Local businesses and independent traders

• Local musicians and creative talent

• Sports clubs and community activities

• Interviews with people making a difference locally

• Information about local services and initiatives

• Stories and features celebrating the people and places of the 1066 area

We want the station to be local, inclusive and accessible, reflecting the communities it serves rather than simply providing another music service.

Why Online Radio?

The decision to begin as an online-only radio station is a practical one.

At present, Ofcom does not have an open round for new community analogue/FM licences and has been focusing licensing activity on digital radio, including small-scale DAB and Community Digital Sound Programme licences.

Rather than waiting for future changes to the licensing landscape, we believe the community should have a local radio service now.

Ofcom confirms that an online-only radio station does not require an Ofcom broadcast licence. The station will, however, ensure that the appropriate music licensing arrangements are in place through the relevant copyright licensing organisations.

Online broadcasting also gives us the opportunity to develop the station gradually, establish a strong local audience and demonstrate the value of a dedicated 1066 community radio service.

More Than Just a Radio Station

Our ambition is to develop the station into a community platform for the whole 1066 area.

We want listeners to feel that the station belongs to them – a place where local voices can be heard, local achievements can be celebrated and communities can come together.

Whether someone lives in Hastings, Bexhill, Battle or one of the surrounding villages, our aim is to provide something that connects them with the wider 1066 community.

Ultimately, we are starting this station because we believe local people deserve a local voice.

This is not simply about broadcasting music.

It is about community, connection, participation and giving the 1066 area a stronger collective voice. 

Why Not Contact us here...

As a community station, everything we do is driven by passionate volunteers—and we’re always looking for new voices and fresh talent to get involved.

Whether you want to be on air or behind the scenes, there’s a role for you:

• Presenters
• Producers
• Technicians
• Administrators
• Station Managers

No experience? No problem.

Why Not Contact us here...