A COMMUNITY radio station covering the North East has been handed a five-year license extension that will see it remain on the airwaves until at least 2027 after integrating itself into the areas it covers.

It was announced earlier this week that Nova Radio North East had been granted the license extension until 2027.

The radio station became the first full time community radio station of its kind in the Newcastle and Gateshead area when it launched in June 2007 as NE1fm and was rebranded to Nova Radio North East in June 2020.

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Since the stations launch it has given the opportunity to hundreds of local members of the community to hit the airwaves and become a presenter.

 It has also worked with local community groups and broadcast live from hundreds of community events and even broadcast from pubs and clubs in and around the North East.

CBIT owner and station manager, Neil Kipling, said: “As the radio station manager, I am delighted to be given the opportunity to broadcast for another five years making local radio for Newcastle and Gateshead.

Later on this year, we hope to launch on small scale Dab Digital Radio in North/South Tyneside and soon after that Newcastle/Gateshead.

The Northern Echo: CBIT owner and station manager, Neil Kipling. Picture: NOVA RADIO.CBIT owner and station manager, Neil Kipling. Picture: NOVA RADIO.

“We still face a lot of challenges post covid both with fund raising and continuing to expand our programming.

“Our expanded management team Jorge Heron, Stuart Sydenham, Vicki Steele, Stephen Ferrell & Damien Stone have assisted greatly with this.

“The biggest thanks go to our strong 60+ volunteer base who make up the backbone of our output across the North East.

Programmer, Dean Wears, added: “having been part of the radio station when it launched as NE1fm It’s amazing that the radio station has been given another five year license extension and with the way commercial radio is going this is a great opportunity to provide the people of Newcastle and Gateshead with a local radio station.”

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