Altrincham Community Media is behind the new project. Radio Alty will be broadcasting from the town in April and will be looking to encourage the involvement of residents. Town-centred content, talk shows, and live music are going to be produced. Printing services can be useful for promoting voluntary groups, especially when the process of local engagement is already in motion.
Radio Alty is to be managed according to not-for-profit principles. Any resources that are generated by the scheme will be employed to train individuals in media-related skills. Altrincham Community Media’s Rod Maxwell explained that the initiative could provide the town with a stronger voice than it has at present. Maxwell believes that Altrincham is vibrant and unique. He told Altrincham Today:
“We want to give much needed airtime to the many talented artists and performers who live and perform in the area.”
A hub has already been selected for the venture. Altrincham Open Studios on Stamford New Road will accommodate Maxwell and the other founding volunteers. The team includes Ross Heaviside, Annie Aylmer, Stephen Carlton-Woods and Sam Hodkin. Jo Cushing is the current chief executive at Altrincham Open Studios.
Sponsorship is being pursued to improve the quality of the offer. The hope is that around £5,000 can be obtained from local firms.