New radio station for ethnic communities to start broadcasting

Awaaz FM Community Radio, based in Southampton, can be enjoyed across Ports-mouth, Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Waterlooville and Chichester from today.

It is looking for new presenters to host live debates and discussions, as well as guests and advertisers.

The station is the first Asian and ethnic language radio station in south Hampshire and will be aired in nine languages, including Punjabi and Urdu.

The programmes will include debate, discussion and music as well as health, welfare and educational topics.

Ali Beg, project manager, said: ‘We’re ecstatic to launch our station in Ports-mouth.

‘We have been waiting for such an opportunity for the last six years and now that has arrived, the team is very excited and full of energy.

‘The ethnic minority population in south Hampshire is growing and so is the demand.

‘We’re looking for any volunteers who are willing to learn.

‘We have no age restrictions. We’re happy to teach anyone.’

Awaaz FM first launched in 2008 as an online station before going on FM in 2009.

Since launching, the station has reached many milestones including receiving two nominations for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, and last year it was awarded the Points of Light Award by the prime minister.

Felix Pastor, a South American presenter on Awaaz, said: ‘I’ve been with Awaaz for nearly four years now and I am part of the only Latin programme in the whole of the south coast outside of London and it is amazing what Awaaz can do.’

Awaaz Radio will go live at 9.30am and will be available on DAB radio.

It is also looking for advertisers and sponsorship.

For more details, or to volunteer, call 0844 7761786 or go to awaazfm.co.uk.