A dedicated digital radio station is giving the public around the clock information about how to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Health Information Radio is broadcast on a number of small-scale DAB multiplexes and available in the following locations: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Portsmouth, Brighton and Hove, Glasgow, Cambridge, Norwich, Woking, Aldershot and Worthing, plus nationally online at healthinforadio.co.uk and also via the Radioplayer radio app.
The content is also broadcast nationally through the night from 11pm on Love Sport Radio, and also features on Podcast Radio at 10am, 1pm, 5pm and 9pm.
Programming features explanations of what a coronavirus is, how to stop it spreading, the importance of self-isolation, and social distancing and updates on the current situation in the UK. There are also regular spots with psychotherapist Lucy Beresford who offers advice on coping with self-isolation.
Simon Hardwick of Health Information Radio, said: “It is clear that the public need as much clear and uncluttered information as possible to understand the part they can play in stopping this virus spreading. As an existing small-scale DAB station operator I already knew the benefits of small-scale DAB, but wondered if a simple information station would be possible?
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of radio industry colleagues and suppliers we’ve proved it is, and that the small scale DAB platform is flexible enough to launch a radio station on a number of multiplexes within two days of the original idea.”
Health Information Radio is a not-for-profit service established by Simon Hardwick, Ash Elford, Dr Dean Kavanagh and Duncan Barkes. They have also enlisted help from across the UK radio industry. Full details of other contributors are available on the website. All involved are donating their time, expertise and broadcast space free of charge.
To find out more contact the team via the website: healthinforadio.co.uk