Fix Radio, a new station for builders and trades people, launches today.
Fix Radio will provide music, banter and information targeted at bricklayers, plumbers, electricians, plasterers, roofers, painters and decorators whether they work on building sites or in people’s homes.
The new station was devised by Louis Timpany who came up with the concept while working on a building site to earn extra cash after graduating from Leeds University, “I noticed builders listen to the radio all day but there was no one station they could all agree on,” says Louis. “I thought it would be great to create a station specifically with them in mind”.
Louis has teamed up with radio content consultant Paul Chantler to develop the idea and research potential listeners and advertisers. Together, Louis and Paul have spent the last few months undertaking market research into the construction trade sector among hundreds of tradespeople in Greater London.
“One thing that came out strongly, for example, was the need for detailed weather forecasts throughout the day as builders depend on knowing what the weather is going to be like to plan their work,” says Louis. “The main weather forecasts on Fix Radio every day will, therefore, be very detailed and accurate – almost like the shipping forecast for tradespeople.”
Fix Radio features up-tempo well-known songs as well as detailed weather forecasts, sports news and “cheeky banter” from DJs. Programming will be scheduled to fit in with a builder’s day and breaks plus the station promises to play fewer ads than other stations and not repeat songs during the workday.
Fix Radio is available on DAB in London and online throughout the UK. The new station’s studios are at the Spectrum Radio building in Battersea.