Radio Rewind: Chesterfield's New Local Voice

In an era dominated by expansive national media conglomerates, the launch of a new local radio station can feel like a breath of fresh air. For the communities of Chesterfield, Matlock, and North Derbyshire, that breath comes in the form of Radio Rewind. Launched on 17th August 2020, this digital-age station positions itself as a vibrant alternative to the large, often impersonal, national brands, striving to bring back the intimate, community-focused feel that local radio once embodied.

At its heart, Radio Rewind is more than just a collection of music and news; it's a commitment to the local area. Founded by Andrew Haslam and Joseph Turton, two individuals deeply rooted in the Chesterfield area and with a rich background in broadcast media and live events, the station aims to deliver professional-sounding content with the welcoming touch of familiar presenters. These are individuals who genuinely care about the issues, events, and people that shape Chesterfield, Matlock, and the wider North Derbyshire region.

The Vision Behind Radio Rewind: A Local Alternative

The inception of Radio Rewind stems from a clear vision: to fill a perceived void in the local media landscape. As national radio brands continue to consolidate and centralise, the unique voice of local communities can often be diluted. Andrew Haslam and Joseph Turton, having grown up immersed in local radio, recognised this gap. Their combined experience, ranging from online radio to extensive live event management, provided the perfect foundation to build a station that not only sounds professional but also resonates deeply with its audience.

Their primary goal is to offer a high-quality, entertaining listening experience that actively supports local businesses, community groups, and residents. This isn't just about playing music; it's about fostering a sense of belonging and providing a platform for local voices and initiatives. The founders' passion for their hometown shines through, aiming to create a radio station that listeners feel is truly 'theirs'.

A Fresh Sound for North Derbyshire Airwaves

Radio Rewind boasts a diverse musical offering designed to appeal to a broad demographic across North Derbyshire. Moving beyond a single genre, the station plays a wide range of music, from the timeless hits of the 80s that evoke nostalgia, right through to the latest chart-toppers, ensuring there's something for everyone. Crucially, they also champion local music, providing a valuable platform for emerging talent within the community.

Beyond the general playlist, Radio Rewind features dedicated shows catering to specific tastes. Listeners can tune into programmes focused on Rock, Blues, Late Night Love Classics, and Dance Music, ensuring variety and catering to niche interests. This thoughtful curation of content is a deliberate effort to engage a wider audience and provide a comprehensive listening experience that national stations, with their often narrower formats, might overlook.

Connecting with the Community: 'Local Focus' and Beyond

One of the cornerstone initiatives that truly sets Radio Rewind apart is its ‘Local Focus’ segment. This vital programme is specifically designed to help promote local events and non-profit organisations. For any non-commercial group in the North Derbyshire area, ‘Local Focus’ offers a free platform to showcase their activities, encourage participation, and reach a broader audience. Features run regularly throughout the day, ensuring maximum visibility for these important community initiatives.

This commitment extends beyond specific programmes. Co-Founder Joseph Turton emphasised that a core objective for Radio Rewind is to be a station that actively supports local businesses and community groups. As the station grows in listening figures and support, there's a clear intention to introduce more and more local shows, further deepening its roots within the community and providing even more opportunities for local talent and content to flourish. This dedication to local content, including travel updates and both national and local news, reinforces its role as a vital community hub.

The Digital Revolution in Radio: Tuning in Anywhere

Andrew Haslam, the Station Manager, highlighted the opportune timing of Radio Rewind’s launch, recognising the significant shift in how people consume radio. With more than half of radio listening now occurring via digital platforms, such as DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting), smart speakers, and various online sources, establishing a digital-first station made perfect sense. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Radio Rewind is accessible to a modern audience, wherever they choose to listen. The station is proud to stand as a local entity in this rapidly evolving digital landscape, making it easier than ever for residents of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire to tune in, whether at home, in the car, or on the go.

Meet the Voices: Presenters and Local Talent

The strength of any radio station lies not just in its music, but in its presenters. Radio Rewind is committed to featuring friendly and familiar voices that resonate with the local audience. A significant step in this direction is the planned introduction of a local drive time show later in the year, a staple of community radio that helps listeners unwind after a busy day with relevant local information and engaging banter.

The station is actively recruiting local talent to fill various show slots. A notable addition to the team is James Hilton, a local radio presenter boasting over 20 years of experience in the industry. His expertise and familiarity with the local area will undoubtedly contribute to the professional yet approachable feel that Radio Rewind aims to cultivate. The focus on local presenters ensures that listeners hear voices they can relate to, discussing topics pertinent to their lives in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Why Local Radio Still Matters in a Connected World

In an age of global connectivity, the importance of local radio might sometimes be overlooked, yet its value remains immense. Local radio stations like Radio Rewind serve as a crucial lifeline for communities, offering several distinct advantages:

• Community Cohesion: By focusing on local news, events, and issues, they help foster a stronger sense of community and shared identity.
• Local Information: They provide immediate and relevant updates on local traffic, weather, and breaking news that national stations simply cannot match.
• Platform for Local Talent: From local musicians to budding presenters, local radio offers opportunities for homegrown talent to shine.
• Support for Local Economy: By promoting local businesses and non-profit organisations, they contribute directly to the economic and social well-being of the area.
• Accessibility and Familiarity: Friendly, local voices discussing relatable topics create a comforting and accessible listening experience.

Radio Rewind exemplifies these benefits, actively working to bring local radio back to the forefront for the people of Chesterfield, Matlock, and North Derbyshire.

Comparing Local vs. National Radio: Why Choose Rewind?

To further illustrate the unique value proposition of Radio Rewind, consider the key differences between a dedicated local station and a broad national brand:

Frequently Asked Questions about Radio Rewind

Here are some common questions about Chesterfield's new local radio station:

What areas does Radio Rewind cover?

Radio Rewind primarily serves the communities of Chesterfield, Matlock, and the wider North Derbyshire area.

How can I listen to Radio Rewind?

As a digital-age station, Radio Rewind is accessible via digital platforms such as DAB, smart speakers, and various online sources. You can likely find them through their website or by asking your smart speaker to play 'Radio Rewind'.

What kind of music does Radio Rewind play?

The station plays a wide range of music, from timeless 80s hits to the latest chart music and local talent. They also have dedicated shows for specific genres like Rock, Blues, Late Night Love Classics, and Dance Music.

What is 'Local Focus'?

'Local Focus' is a special segment on Radio Rewind designed to promote local events and non-profit organisations. It's free for any non-commercial group in the North Derbyshire area and features run regularly throughout the day to help showcase groups and encourage community participation.

Who founded Radio Rewind?

Radio Rewind was founded by two locals, Andrew Haslam and Joseph Turton, both of whom grew up in the Chesterfield area and have extensive experience in broadcast media and live events.

Are there local presenters on Radio Rewind?

Yes, the station aims to have friendly and familiar local presenters. They have plans for a local drive time show and have already brought on experienced local radio presenter James Hilton. The goal is to bring on more local shows and talent as the station grows.

Radio Rewind represents a significant step forward for local media in North Derbyshire. By embracing digital technology while staying firmly rooted in community values, it offers a refreshing and much-needed alternative for listeners who crave local connection and relevant content. Their commitment to supporting local businesses, promoting events, and featuring familiar voices ensures that the spirit of local radio continues to thrive in Chesterfield and beyond.

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