School radio station is ready to Rock and Roll

Workington Academy Radio needed to raise £1,000 to buy cloud software, and for the necessary licences and money for music for one year, but managed to raise more than twice their target, reaching £2,045.

Teacher Andrew Williamson explained that the remainder will be used once the school reopens to buy new microphones and help to pay for future projects.

Donations included money from Workington Town Council, many audio professionals, teachers, parents and even from Cumbrian diplomats now living and working abroad.

The radio team is broadcasting from the website www.workingtonacademy.org/waradio

In order to do this 24/7 the students pre-record their audio at home using a microphone or mobile phone and send it in, then Mr Williamson compiles a show playlist.

He said: "Once back in school we can then broadcast live using the studio at school."

Audio shout outs and song requests can be made by using the widget on the website at radio@workingtonacademy.org

Anyone in the UK, can tune in to the radio via their website and the team is planning to introduce broadcasting via Amazon Alexa/Echo over the next few days.

People in the wider community are also welcome to send in an audio shout out recorded on their mobile phone if emailed to: radio@workingtonacademy.org

Teacher Alison Williamson said: "The donations from the public and local businesses have been instrumental in Workington Academy Radio going live! We are beyond grateful for the generosity of those who have helped. Broadcasting live has given the students running the radio station a clear focus during this uncertain time, and it’s really worked as a method of maintaining community spirit across Workington Academy."

Mr Williamson added: "They are all very excited to get back into school to start broadcasting live from the studio at school once it is safe to do so. They have loved having their family from across the UK being able to tune in and listen to their voices."