Well, now that the day we all worked so hard for has passed, I’ve finally had time to gather my thoughts on what was such an overwhelming and emotional occasion yesterday at the grand opening of our new AIR studios at Jeffery House.
What a wonderful event it was, and a fantastic opportunity for everyone to view our brand-new, purpose-built radio studios here in Weymouth town centre, right at the heart of the community. Just a few steps away are our main streets, beautiful harbour and beach, alongside some wonderful eateries and pubs. It truly is a fantastic location.
First of all, I would like to thank an old friend and a man I highly respect, Professor Michael Dooley, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset and official representative of the King, for officially opening our new studios and cutting the ribbon.
Michael was not only a highly respected surgeon and physician to the Royal Family, but 25 years ago to the day, he also delivered my children into the world at Dorchester Hospital. That made yesterday, May 11th, an incredibly special and emotional day for both me and my family, alongside celebrating the 15th birthday of AIR and the opening of our new studios.
I would also like to personally thank our South Dorset MP, Lloyd Hatton, for attending, along with the Mayor of Weymouth, Caroline Nickinson, who honoured us by making this one of her final engagements as Mayor. I think many would agree that Caroline has been an incredible ambassador for Weymouth throughout her term, and we are extremely grateful for her support as she continues serving our community as a town councillor.
To have all three dignitaries together at the same event was truly remarkable and something quite rare. We were incredibly grateful for their support, which demonstrates just how important community radio is to Weymouth and Portland.
I would also like to thank all of the other guests, supporters and friends who attended our ceremony, toured our new facilities and celebrated this landmark occasion with us.
Since taking over AIR back in November and saving it from closure, it has certainly been a rollercoaster ride. Rebuilding something that was virtually on the brink of collapse, had lost much of its volunteer support and advertisers, while also inheriting debts and failing to meet key commitments, has certainly kept me on my toes.
After considerable investment, and knowing very little about radio initially, I relied on advice that quickly became clear was not the direction AIR needed to take. I soon brought in experienced associates alongside new volunteers who rapidly became friends, all of whom have contributed enormously to both the station and our new studios, helping steer AIR in the correct direction — the direction it deserved — becoming the true voice of our community.
The outcome is a fully functional digital studio equipped with state-of-the-art technology that will carry AIR into the future of radio. With DAB on the horizon, alongside our new interactive digital app, AIR is now future-proofed with solid foundations. A local radio station that not only plays great music but also keeps you informed about what is happening within the community has never been more important.
Our aim is to work closely alongside local organisations and colleges to provide opportunities, support and facilities for aspiring media students, enabling them to gain valuable experience alongside our team while naturally growing our volunteer base through local colleges.
We are now confident that we can deliver a local radio station that is informative, reliable and a successful hub for local people, businesses, visitors and the wider community. We look forward to continuing our work alongside Weymouth Town Council, Dorset Council, We Are Weymouth Ltd, Loving Weymouth & Portland, Weymouth Chamber of Commerce, Coastline Academy, Budmouth Academy, charitable organisations and local sporting venues, amongst many others.
I would now like to thank all of our sponsors and contributors who have supported AIR throughout this challenging six months and helped us get to where we are today.
The Window Man, Floors Galore, Hull Gregson & Hull, A1 Building Services, Jack Reece Building & Maintenance, Total Build & Tech Solutions, Wide FM and Bournemouth One have all contributed significant time, products, expertise and support in helping deliver the studios you see today.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank our incredible team of volunteers. I use the word “volunteers” loosely because they are much more than that — they are friends.
Emma, our roving reporter, may not have been heavily involved in the physical studio build, but she has worked tirelessly maintaining our social media presence, covering events, community stories and major news day and night. Keeping AIR alive online during this rebuild has been absolutely critical to our survival. Without Emma’s support, we certainly would not be dominating these platforms in the way we do today.
Scott Williams is a man we rarely see because of work and family commitments, but he has been an avid supporter and major contributor to AIR for many years. AIR has been in his blood since his school days, and he works behind the scenes at all hours managing our music and website content — a role that often goes unnoticed but is hugely appreciated by everyone at AIR.
Daniel “Lorcian” is another hugely important member of our team. He hosts his own Wednesday night show, steps in at the drop of a hat whenever needed and continuously builds and maintains our computer systems and network infrastructure to ensure everything you hear today runs seamlessly.
Dave Goulden, better known as “Goulash”, is our very own professional presenter. Having spent most of his life in the radio industry and previously worked for other local stations, Dave handles all of our production while also presenting his weekday “Home Run Show” and Sunday evening “Alternative” show. We are incredibly lucky to have his vision, expertise and enthusiasm at AIR.
Max Neilson-Howes has recently returned to AIR after previously joining us as a junior presenter before studying at the Global Academy. For a young man, he brings exceptional knowledge of broadcast software and technology and has been a major contributor to our fully digital studio build. Max has a very bright future ahead of him, and we will continue to fully support him in his radio career. His weekday show, “Max In The Middle”, airs from 10am to 2pm, and he is certainly one to watch within the industry. He has been a key asset in AIR’s rebuilding.
Steve Mullins, our Station Manager and “Mr Fix-It”, has been an absolute diamond. What this man cannot fix simply is not worth fixing. Having known Steve for many years, we have built a fantastic working relationship, and the hours he has spent helping build these studios alongside me have been astounding. Promoting him to Station Manager was a natural progression. His honesty, trust, knowledge and commitment are invaluable, and having somebody I can genuinely rely on to discuss ideas and strategies with has been exactly what AIR needed.
Shaun Moore, who contributes to our local news in and around Weymouth. Shaun is the voice you hear at the top of the hour weekdays on AIR.
Roy Martin, who runs our neighbouring station Bournemouth One, has over 30 years of experience within the radio industry. Roy has been an incredible friend, mentor and consultant in helping shape what you hear at AIR today. Without his support and guidance, we would certainly have struggled at times. He continues to support us on this journey, and we are extremely grateful for everything he has done.
Sylvia, my partner, has been my absolute rock throughout this entire journey. Her commitment and support over the last six months have been incredible. She has motivated me during difficult times when things looked bleak, stood by me mentally and physically and, more often than not, cleaned up after me too. I honestly could not have achieved any of this without her, or without any of the amazing people mentioned above.
I would also like to thank my elderly parents, now nearly 86 and 90, who I know I have neglected somewhat recently while building these studios. They have always supported me and completely understood the sacrifices required. Don’t worry, I’m back now the studio is complete.
And finally, my children Bradley, Scott, Dean, Danielle and Nicola, along with their respective partners, who have all supported me throughout this journey. Whether helping move equipment, collecting items, assisting at all hours or simply offering moral support, every one of them has played a part in helping make this dream become a reality.
I would also like to thank all of our sponsors and advertisers, especially Derek and Adam Luckhurst of Agincare, whose friendship and support have certainly not gone unnoticed.
And finally, our listeners.
You are the reason we do this. We hope to continue bringing you great music, local news, weather, travel and community events 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Without you listening, there would be little point.
Here at AIR, we remain committed to supporting our community and delivering a local radio station that Weymouth and Portland can truly be proud of.
Jamie Lyones
Chief Executive Officer
AIR 107.2 FM
