Newcastle’s Radio Tyneside urgently needs a new location as its current building faces sale and requires repairs.
They need a new place to broadcast from soon because the building they use now needs serious repairs and the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust owns that building. The Trust wants to sell it instead of fixing it up.
The Trust tried to find a new location for them, however, they haven’t found anything suitable just yet. Dave Nicholson is the Chairman of Radio Tyneside, and he talked about the station’s situation.
Dave said the hospital trust told them about the building’s issues about a year ago. The trust then tried searching for a new space, but sadly, they can’t find a good spot right now.
Dave also mentioned the building will be sold, which came as quite a shock to everyone at the station. They are actively searching for new premises, and the trust has really been trying to help them.
Dave has worked with the station for ages and he got an OBE in 2022! He said they aren’t upset with the NHS Trust, they really just need help finding a space because rents are super expensive these days.
The station won’t shut down, according to Dave, and it’s their 75th anniversary this October! They plan to celebrate that anniversary no matter what happens and it’s a chance to grow and reach more listeners.
Moving is going to be tricky logistically and it will also put a strain on their finances. Previously, the NHS Trust paid for building costs, and in 2022, its charity gave them £50,000! They used it for digital upgrades.
Dave wants to keep serving patients and the community, and he also wants to reach listeners online. They urgently need a new studio space, and he hopes people will help them find one soon.
Radio Tyneside started way back in 1951 and they began by broadcasting football commentaries to patients. Interestingly, they still provide this service and they were the first hospital station with an AM license.
Dave hopes the station can continue to serve the community, and he wants them to do this for many years moving forward. Radio Tyneside is all about connecting people and it brings comfort and shares local stories.
Dave is confident they’ll find a new home with community support and he thinks they can make their service even stronger. If you have a space or can offer help, please contact them because time is running out and every little bit helps.