‘Radio Hafren’ set for New Year launch

The newly named Radio Hafren is set to be launched in the New Year with a clear message to Montgomeryshire’s listeners that ‘we will be local’.

Pending a licence from regulators, Ofcom, the station will rise from the ashes of the now defunct Radio Maldwyn which went into liquidation last week. And we can confirm that bit has been taken over by Newtown lads Thomas Pain and Alistair Tyne who have a background in the communications industry.

“We did not want to see another local institution die,” said Mr Pain. “Radio Maldwyn has serviced the local community for a long time and it has been missed, especially during the terrible weather we have been suffering when people rely on their local radio.

“Our intention is to have the station up and running as soon as possible in much the same way as it was before with strong local content. We want it to be a radio station that Montgomeryshire can be proud of.”

The new owners were hoping to have the station up and running over the Festive Period and expect to take possession of the studio and antenna today (Thursday). However, with Ofcom set to close over the same time, it is unlikely a licence will come through in time so listeners will have to wait until the New Year.

Mr. Pain said they will make more announcements soon and hope to introduce one or two ‘surprises’ and ‘fresh ideas’ to the station.

Radio Maldwyn, which operated on the 756MW ran into difficulty last month after 16 years on the local airwaves.