Radio Larne to hit airwaves in New Year

Lewis McAdam has been impressing listeners since he first started broadcasting from his bedroom at the age of 14.

Now, the budding DJ plans to bring his experience to a new online project, which he has christened Radio Larne.

The 16-year-old Larne High School pupil first became interested in radio after hearing a broadcast by Larne Christmas station, Chaine FM.

With Chaine FM organisers last week announcing they have pulled the plug on the station for good, Lewis hopes his new venture can fill the void.

“I have secured £2,500 worth of funding from O2’s Think Big scheme, which has helped me with set-up costs such as equipment, the website and the online licence,” he told the Times.

“I am hoping to do a breakfast show and a magazine show where someone will come in or phone in and talk about the issues in Larne.

“Then we could go into drive time shows which would involve the community and what is happening in Larne.

“I’m hoping to broadcast every day with presenters and online radio cloud software could mean the station runs right through.”

For the past two years, Lewis has volunteered as a presenter on Chat and Spin Radio, but the youngster has been forced to give this up to focus on his new venture.

Radio Larne is expected to hit the airwaves early in the New Year, and Lewis is currently on the hunt for a town centre premises to use as his base of operations.

“I have also approached Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to seek funding for the project going forward,” he added.

Depending on the success of his new project, Lewis is hopeful that Radio Larne could eventually serve as the successor to Chaine FM.

Lewis already has some volunteers lined-up as presenters, but some slots are still available.

Anyone who would like to offer assistance or volunteer as a presenter can get in touch with Lewis at [email protected]

To tune in, visit www.radiolarne.co.uk