KCR - a new sound for Knowsley

What - no CDs!
Huyton Today reporters take a look at what goes on behind the scenes of KCR

THE areas newest radio station, KCR, was launched onto the airwaves of Knowsley on Saturday 16th June. Ten years of hard work from local man Ray Ferguson came to fruition as ‘Reach For The Stars’ by S Club 7 blasted out at six minutes past one. DJ Mike Taylor, ‘Tea, Toast and Taylor’ hosted the station for the rest of the day but listeners can hear him everyday on the breakfast show between 6am and 10am.

Ray Ferguson is now Programme Director. He explained why Knowsley needs its very own radio station. “The primary objective of KCR is entertainment, locally focused. The music you’'ll hear will be selected from the last 4 decades. If you grew up with The Hollies, Manfred Man, Motown and The Stones, you’'ll feel right at home with KCR.”

“If you like Texas, The Corrs, Atomic Kitten, then you’ll love it.along with Soul and Disco from the 70s and 80s and soft rock from The Eagles, Dooby Brothers, Phil Collins, Fleetwood Mac, Mike and the Mechanics and many more.”

KCR boasts one of the largest playlists for any commercial radio station with over 6,000 titles to choose from. A list like that should ensure that they are able to keep their promise of never playing the same song twice in any 24 hour period.

(Above) News Editor Sue Harper prepares for her next news bulletin.

But it's local news and community issues that will set the station apart. Local people will hear things about the area that they live and work within, generally not heard or reported elsewhere. Traffic and travel information, and local sports coverage will highlight the rich diversity and local needs of a busy and active area of the North West.

KCR is a fully commercial station, and will exist on advertising and sponsorship revenue. Its initial license is for 8 years, and, although small by comparison to more established stations covering the North West, its very 'localness' is indeed its major strength and benefit to Knowsley businesses and residents.

So come on, tune in now to 106.7fm for all the local news that’s fit to broadcast!

Local Roots

KCR is true to its local roots - most of the staff on the station are local. Huyton Today was delighted to meet a news reporter by the name of Gerard Garvey - a familiar name to us as he is an ex-pupil of Knowsley Hey. Gerard told us that he is awaiting his degree results from Liverpool John Moores University but he was delighted to be involved with KCR. He was able to show us the editing facilities and demonstrated his interviewing and editing skills.

News Editor, Sue Harper, explained to us that although KCR is a local, community based station, it is also a commercial station and they would love to hear from any local companies looking to advertise on KCR. For more information contact the KCR sales team on 0151 290 1503.

What - no CDs!

On Friday 22nd June the two newest recruits from Huyton Today set off for Knowsley's newest radio station KCR 106.7.

Frank Hughes gave us his opinion. “When we arrived at KCR I thought the building was going to be a lot bigger than it was. When we went into the studio I was very surprised. There wasn’'t a CD in sight. I hadn’t imagined that all the music would be on a computer and would start at the push of a button.”

Daniel Finn agreed. “I really enjoyed learning all about KCR. It wasn¦t just a news trip, it was a very enjoyable day! I’'ve been listening to KCR recently and it's pretty good too (It must be if I like it!)”

“We had a look at the equipment and it was really flashy. All modern and state of the art. I hadn’t expected that. I was quite astounded not to find CDs, tapes and records lying around.”