A Brighton radio station raised more than £2,000 from its annual fundraising “Reverbathon” with support from Caroline Lucas MP and mayor Mo Marsh.
The “Reverbathon” was a 12-hour live broadcast on Radio Reverb in place of its usual schedule, with volunteers, supporters and listeners pitching in to help.
The aim was to raise funds to help the community radio station stay independent, playlist-free and advert-free.
The mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Mo Marsh, went along to Radio Reverb’s studio at the Open Market to support the event.
She praised the station’s “wonderful diverse offering which I’m going to be tuning in to more”.
And she added that local independent radio was “important to anywhere and I’m delighted our city as usual is particularly strong in this offer.
“There is no funding for RadioReverb apart from what you donate so if you want to keep your local radio station live, serving a wonderful diverse community – particularly the house bound, the vulnerable, people who can’t get out – radio is a vital link. Please, please donate!”
Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, sent a message of support. She said: “I will urge people very seriously in Brighton and Hove to get out there and support the Reverbathon.
“Give even just a couple of quid if you can because independent voices in the media are needed more than ever.
“Brighton is such an independent city. It deserves and needs good independent radio.”
Volunteers and supporters of RadioReverb raised more than £2,000 through sponsorship and donations.
Among the key sponsors were a host of businesses including VegFest, Brighton’s Finest, Avonside Television, Stripey Lemon, The Best of Brighton and Hove, Flowers Unlimited, Butler’s Wines, Network My Club and The Basketmaker’s Arms.
Additional funds were raised through audience donations, online and at the studio at the Open Market studio.
Volunteers exchanged pastries, cakes, mugs and tote-bags for donations while the broadcast was played on outdoor speakers. In total the donations and sponsorship pledges raised £2,167.
All the money will help pay for the cost of running the station, upgrading equipment and bringing new shows with local voices to the airwaves.
After Juice 107.2 was bought recently by Global – Europe’s biggest radio company which also owns Capital, Heart and Classic FM – RadioReverb looks like being the main independent radio broadcaster in Brighton.
Radio Reverb director Tracey Allen said: “This year’s Reverbathon has been an incredible success, especially as the day proved how having an independent radio station supports the city, local traders, businesses and charities – and with no programming restrictions or adverts to get in the way.
“Radio Reverb really is the sound of the city and the donations raised will ensure local voices are preserved in Brighton.
“We’d like to thank everyone who supported the Reverbathon, with donations, time, energy and enthusiasm.”
She added that Radio Reverb, as a not-for-profit station, is reliant on donations for its funding.
The Reverbathon may be over but supporter can make a donation all year round at http://radioreverb.com/donate.
