As a way of working more closely with our local community and community organisations, Radio Teesdale has created innovative new approaches to extend the reach of its technology, accessibility and presence throughout the Dale. A number of organisations are already keen to set up Radio Hotspots, these include the Upper Teesdale Agricultural Service UTASS in Middleton-in-Teesdale and the YMCA in Barnard Castle.

Radio Teesdale ‘Hotsports’ defined …. ‘Hotspots’ are local access points where radio equipment such as minidisk recorders and editing software are available for use by local residents and members to create any length of recording for broadcast on Radio Teesdale. It is also where the radio can be listened to web-cast over the internet.

As a community organisation you can become a Radio Teesdale ‘Hotspot’ by fulfilling the following:

1. Be connected to the internet via Broadband.

2. Have at least one computer that can be used for sound editing.

3. Enable a Radio Teesdale representative to download and install Audacity, free editing software on your allocated Hotspot computer.

4. Have one or two members of your organisation who are interested in learning how to record and edit sound and who are prepared to look after the equipment and be a point of contact at the Hotspot.

5. Buy the basic equipment as required, i.e. mini disc recorder, microphone and headphones, CF cards and readers. Budget £380 +vat per complete set, you may wish to budget for multiple sets. Please contact Peter Dixon, Station Manager for suggested equipment listings and suppliers.

6. Promote the Radio Hotspot through visible signage, via your website and through notices, message boards, newsletters.

7. Allow your members and/or local people access 8. Agree to operate the Hotspot in accordance with governing broadcast regulations by ensuring that all active users are or become members of Radio Teesdale.

9. Add the equipment you have purchased to your insurance schedule.

Radio Teesdale will provide:

1. A range of informal group and one-to-one training sessions in radio production skills. These can be provided on an ongoing basis as agreed.

2. A simple ‘rules of engagement’ notice for participants, along with practical reference guides for interviewing, recording sound, editing sound and radio programme production

3. Support with appropriate marketing materials for promotion i.e. approved logos, content and images for use in your website, newsletters etc.

4. Promotion of the Hotspot on air and via the station website.

5. Support, training and guidance for participants.

6. Live broadcast of your recordings on Radio Teesdale.

It is intended that these Hotspots enable more local people and organisations to create anything from small sound samples to interviews and even whole programmes. These can then be sent by email to the Radio Station for final editing and broadcast as appropriate. They will also enable Radio Teesdale Members greater local access for sound editing and programme production. They will enable your organisation to make Radio Teesdale part of what it offers locally and further develop community participation and engagement.

Please contact us for technical equipment requirements and estimated budgets. Also available are Radio Teesdale Satellite Stations, get involved - it's yours!