Rutland and Stamford Sound gets off to a great start as new community radio station

A new community radio station was so popular with listeners that many couldn’t tune in on the first day!

Rutland and Stamford Sound launched on Friday, March 5, but the first couple of hours were hampered by technical issues, ably dealt with by breakfast show host Rob Persani.

These issues though were actually caused by the number of people logging onto listen - and when they found out they were struggling - trying several other devices, which added to the teething problems.

But listeners waited patiently until they were able to tune in.

A poll was run on social media to select the first track to be played with Sound of the Underground by Girls Aloud selected. Echoing the name of the station and with singer Nicola Roberts born in Stamford, it was an apt choice.

A host of goodwill messages were also read out with Rutland MP Alicia Kearns (Con) saying: “We’ve all been so looking forward to tuning in and the whole community is behind the station.”

South Kesteven District Council leader Kelham Cooke (Con), the station commander at RAF Wittering Group Captain Jo Lincoln, Rutland First Responders’ Barbara Crellin and Mercury editor Kerry Coupe all recorded good luck messages which were played on air too.

At the launch, there was also a run through of local history, looking at a timeline of events for Rutland and Stamford.

As well as popular face Rob hosting the breakfast show every weekday, all the other presenters have links to the area.

Rutland and Stamford Sound is an online radio station. Listeners can access the station using mobile phones, smart speakers, tablets, computers and in-car systems. To find out more or to tune in visit rutlandandstamfordsound.co.uk