Stag FM
Press Releases
10 June 1999
Stag FM bid for local licence launched with rock 'n' roller Marty Wilde
The owners of a successful Hertfordshire radio station today (10 June) officially announced their bid for the county's new local radio station under the name of Stag FM - Knebworth - based rock 'n' roller Marty Wilde as one of its directors.
DMG Radio which already operates Oasis FM in St. Albans and Watford, wants to run the proposed new station which is expected to serve up to 250,000 people in Hertford, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Stevenage.
The licence will be awarded by the Radio Authority early next year on the basis of competitive bids based on programming and financial plans. The new station could be on air by next summer.
Announcing the proposed station's name as Stag FM to business and civic leaders at the Shire Hall in Hertford, chairman Eric Moonman said: "We firmly believe that the county's newest radio station should be popular and professional as well as local through-and-through".
Marty Wilde, whose family runs a successful recording studio in the county, said: "I've long believed that this area deserves a truly local radio station and I think the people behind Stag FM have the experience and track record to do the best job".
He went on to joke: "Although I'm on the board of directors, we won't just be playing rock 'n' roll music! There'll be something for everyone".
Professor Moonman stressed that the new station will be serving the community as well as entertaining and informing: "The new local station needs to survive in a highly competitive commercial world. We have the resources, experience and a proven track record to give Hertford and the surrounding districts the radio station that it deserves".
Referring to other groups who have announced their intention to apply, Professor Moonman said: "What's needed now is a sensible debate which will enable people in the area to make an informed choice about what's on their radio dial".
"Clearly, nobody wants a station run by under-financed and inexperienced people that will result in an embarrassing silence on the airwaves 18 months later" he continued.
Referring to the name Stag FM, Professor Moonman added: We've named ourselves after the county's emblem and in order to show the extent of our life and commerce in Hertford.
Over the next few weeks, we shall be adding to the meetings and discussions we've already had with local community leaders by conducting extensive independent research to find out in detail what the people of Hertford, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Stevenage want to hear on their new local radio station".
Another Stag FM director, David Tomlin, managing director of Gravesons of Hertford - one of the county town's longest- established businesses- is a keen supporter.
He said: "In my opinion, Stag FM looks to be the best bet for Hertford and the surrounding areas as they are taking an interest in local issues and have promised to set up a station that will be truly local.
"I just want what's best for Hertford and I believe that Stag FM has the expertise and resources to make a success of this project. I urge anyone who shares these views to back Stag FM's bid".
Bidders have three months in which to submit applications. The Radio Authority will make a decision early next year and the station could be on-air by summer 2000.
Those wishing to know more or support their bid should write to:
Stag FM
50A St. Andrew Street
Hertford
Herts.
SG14 1JA.
