During our two one-month RSL (Restricted Service Licence) pilot broadcasts in 2004 we commissioned an independent audit. It was delivered by the Director of Media Studies at the University of Sunderland and was commissioned to evaluate the impact and success of Radio Teesdale through its broadcasts under a Restricted Service Licence.
Click here to download the full report
The evaluation included consideration of the station’s value to the community and to funding bodies and makes recommendations for how the station might secure its future viability through good practice in training, programming, fundraising, accountability and management.
The report entitled, ‘You Should Listen, It’s Community Radio and They’re Talking About You!’, found as follows:
There is a firm conviction in the minds of the audience and volunteers that the station is a good thing for Teesdale. It is a powerful form of local media with the potential to bring up issues on a daily basis. “In one month the radio station has provided more local information than the council has for three years.”
The impact of station on listeners in the community is evidenced by the comment that even people who had lived in Barnard Castle for a long time said they had learnt something about the area: “The station attracted members of the community that hadn’t been reached before - and had not been involved in community activities before.”
One school student who was interviewed on the station talked of raised confidence and self-esteem when his friends heard him on the radio. The station provided a real outlet to air local talent. It was refreshing to hear local bands being promoted in the Breakfast Show. Young people who had their music broadcast were getting immediate feedback and this had a very positive effect on their confidence and self esteem.
One young man had his song recorded and then played on the radio heard it being played in a local club later in the day-this kind of instant feedback was hugely motivating for the individual concerned.
“One of the most important community initiatives in Barnard Castle for a long time-the town was stirred by Radio Teesdale.” Member
“Half of Teesdale’s voices must have been on this radio station.” Presenter
“Congratulations on a compulsively entertaining month - a unique many-flavoured blend; as a primary school caretaker I know that such a specifically local radio station would be invaluable, particularly during severe winter weather to keep parents and carers accurately informed as to school closures and road conditions. Many thanks and hear you later. “ Listener from Cotherstone
“Radio Teesdale is, I think, one of the best things to happen in the dale for as long as I can remember. It's a fantastic idea and the effort from all involved is truly outstanding.” Listener from Darlington
“Hi, I got the link for this site from The Barney Bush Telegraph. It is a great site and long may it continue. It helps me keep in touch with what is going on in area where my son goes to school. Thank you for that.” Web listener from Germany
The report concluded: Radio Teesdale is an excellent example of community radio, with its roots firmly within the community it intends to serve. It has the potential to be a well organised, representative and financially stable station. These recommendations are made in the spirit that they represent what is already in development; they may serve to focus and crystallize thoughts and plans for the future success of the station.
Radio Teesdale represents a highly integrated model of business, enterprise, community and voluntary sector interests as represented by the work of the Enterprise Agency and through key members of the Management Committee. This is a great strength of the station – all these sectors working together to benefit each other, the radio station and the wider Teesdale community.
Programming: Radio Teesdale’s schedule contained a wide range of programmes reflecting the wealth of talent, personalities, information sources and issues for debate in Teesdale. The regular community affairs, local discussion and farming programmes were important to making people aware of what was going on in Teesdale. The programming made by and for young people is a strength of this station, including programmes that promote music of importance to people in the area. The wide range of specialist programmes represents the ‘something for everyone’ approach of the station.
Audience research: People clearly knew about the station and were listening. There was a clear sense that the station was being promoted through station generated publicity campaigns and through word of mouth. There is no doubt that Radio Teesdale was a success in terms of the audience awareness and appreciation of the station and the participation of local people in Barnard Castle and surrounding areas in programming.
Social Gain: Radio Teesdale has the potential to be a powerful tool for local communication and discussion of key issues of interest to different parts of the Teesdale community. It has already had an enormous impact on the many presenters, volunteers, interviewees and contributors (individuals and businesses, community, voluntary and statutory groups) involved in the station. There are many examples of programmes where the process of programme development, training and the broadcasts themselves have benefited different social groups and individuals. “The station attracted members of the community that hadn’t been reached before - and had not been involved in community activities before.”
