A meeting to measure interest in bringing the Northern Midlands' community radio station, Heart FM, back into operation has resulted in a positive outcome, with a group appearing prepared to form a committee and another meeting now scheduled.
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The Northern Midlands council hosted the community meeting in Longford last Thursday to gauge whether the level of interest and volunteer support needed to bring the station back into operation existed.
Northern Midlands mayor Mary Knowles said there was much work still ahead, but it was good to see the keen engagement of those who attended.
"There's a whole lot of processes to be put in place if this committee looks like forming and actually going ahead," Cr Knowles said. "And then, of course, you've got to work with council to get a location, you've got to work with whoever you need to fund a soundproof room."
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"It was good having some young people there. They've got some knowledge of how to use YouTube and how to use the new technologies."
Cr Knowles said though the existing equipment dated back to when the station ceased operation in July 2012, it would be sufficient.
Heart FM was established as a community radio station for the region in 2002, originally broadcasting from Poatina. In 2009, a studio was established at Longford.
The station committee decided to end broadcasting three years later due to lack of revenue and a consistent sponsorship representative.
Michael Cleary, a Heart FM committee member for the past 10 years, was also present at Thursday's meeting. He was hopeful the station would broadcast again.
Prior to his time with the station, Mr Cleary was also involved with Coast FM at Wynyard and said community radio would be an asset to the Northern Midlands and pull people in the region together.
"There is a distinctive [way] radio can do it if you have the right announcers that make visible the local area," he said.
The next meeting will take place at the Northern Midlands Council Chambers from 4.15pm on July 26.
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