9th October 2006

Stroud District Green party have written a letter of support for StroudFM and their application for an extended licence. Letter enclosed below:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing in support of StroudFM, Community Radio Station, and their application to OFCOM for an extended radio licence.

We sadly have just lost Star FM which was much enjoyed by the local population. We need a local station to replace this, but also a local station that can build on their success and celebrate more of what is Stroud.

StroudFM is a ‘not for profit’ organisation run by volunteers and seems a more than ideal choice to fill the gap: previous broadcasts have celebrated Stroud and our great artistic tradition. Indeed the Daily Telegraph newspaper once said something like: "Stroud is to art what Hay-on-Wye is to books." There are over a 100 artists studios open during the Open Studios month. There is also a growing interest locally in live performances like poetry and we have many local bands and musicians looking to showcase their talents.

Stroud has various key musical festivals through the year and regular local music events. We could benefit hugely from having a radio outlet for our local musicians to perform their music. A Community Radio Station would be a great way for our local musicians to reach more people locally.

 A Community Radio Station could also give local organisations, charities and common interest groups a voice. In the town there are many local events that could benefit from a wider audience. One great example is the monthly cafe discussion group at a cafe in Stroud that brings in between 30 and 60 people to debate and discuss a particular topic. Previous evenings have discussed: Can you Make Poverty History? Is Britain a Democracy? Animal Rights? People Trafficking? And much more with people from all political parties debating issues.

A Community Radio Station is also a great opportunity for young and old to get training for a career in the media. Lastly as I learnt from my own experience as a DJ on a hospital radio station 30 years ago such local stations can help foster a real sense of community. Stroud already has some of that compared to many places, but there is still very much that a local Community Radio Station could offer.

The Stroud District Green party support an application by StroudFM to OFCOM for an extended radio licence.

Yours sincerely,

Cllr. Philip Booth, on behalf of Stroud District Green Party.