Keynsham community radio station to launch rail-themed media project thanks to GWR grant

Out and About Railway Broadcasting is an initiative by Keynsham Town Community Radio (KTCRfm) to teach interview, outside broadcast recording, editing and production skills together with opportunities to access the region by train.

As part of GWR’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.

KTCRfm aims to combine social cohesion and counter deprivation in the town through local broadcasting and by offering media training opportunities.

The station’s Ric Davison said:

“We want to offer media training to groups which otherwise may not have access (youth, senior, disabled) and increase awareness of the regional rail network from Keynsham station.

“The aim is to deliver a series of four 30-minute broadcasts on KTCRfm, each designed and produced by a Keynsham resident from a different social background.

“From simply countering isolation or instilling self-confidence in adults, to providing valuable employment skills to untrained young people, these programmes will both entertain listeners and increase awareness of the rail network.”

GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said:

“We have a specific pot of money designed to help support schools, colleges and community or other not-for-profit organisations.

“There are areas of significant social deprivation in Keynsham and KTCRfm already provides a valuable service. This initiative will further target those areas and the broadcasts will hopefully prove really successful.”

Notes to editors

First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR was recently awarded an extension to its direct award franchise (called DA3), which shall run up to 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for a further year. 

Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us