Bath community radio station BA1 Radio has attracted four times its usual number of listeners during the coronavirus lockdown as its volunteers keep the city informed and entertained.
Over the past few weeks total listener hours have doubled while the number of unique listeners has risen by more than 200%. 
All 35 volunteers at BA1 Radio, which was set up last year to train and educate people in radio broadcasting, are now hosting shows and working behind the scenes from their homes.
Station manager Luke Nix, pictured in his home studio, said: “We’re delighted to see so many more people tuning in during this time.
“As well as keeping listeners informed and up to date with hourly news bulletins, our team of volunteers is working hard to entertain listeners and provide a platform to showcase uplifting local news stories from the community.”
BA1 Radio is currently broadcasting for 12 hours each weekday and has introduced new shows such as the Daily Good with Sarah Baker, which focuses on positive change across the city, and Keeping Busy, which provides top tips on how to stay productive during isolation.
There are local news bulletins every hour while the station also supports local volunteer organisations such as BANES 3SG, which brings together Bath & North East Somerset’s charity, social enterprise, faith and voluntary sectors.
There is also the Dad and Lad show where father and son Ian and Reuben play games and share interesting facts about the city, and a business support show with James Godman, who provides details of the latest support on offer for local businesses.
Luke added: “Like all businesses and non-profits, we’ve been forced to think of ways to continue operating, so we’ve been doing virtual training and all our volunteers have been recording radio from home.
“We’ve even got young people producing their own shows as part of their media studies work while they’re being homeschooled.
“For us, BA1 Radio is so much more than a radio station. As well as providing a platform for local news and businesses, what we’re really doing is giving people the opportunity to learn new skills to help with employment and boost their confidence.”
BA1 Radio was established last year to help local people develop new skills and usually broadcasts from its studio in Southside Youth Hub.
BA1 Radio can be streamed live from www.BA1Radio.org
