Middleton youngsters hit the airwaves thanks to Fusion Radio

Middleton youngster Kallum Nolan on the Fusion Radio set

Since December 2006 over 65 young people form Middleton and the surrounding areas have been gaining skills and nationally recognised accreditations in Radio Broadcasting, Presenting and Producing as part of the Fusion Radio Project. After months of hard work these young people are finally ready to take over the Middleton airwaves for seven days with a live radio broadcast.

People living in Middleton and North Manchester can tune into Fusion FM 106.3 from Wednesday 29 August until Tuesday 4 September to listen to the views, opinions and culture of the youth of Middleton. Listeners will enjoy a wide rage of music and talent as well as being informed about what is happening for young people in the town.

In preparation for their shows many of the young presenters have been identifying local service providers and agencies in Middleton and Rochdale who work with young people and interviewing them to find out more about what services are offered for people their age. Programmes will feature information and advice from professionals relating to drugs, alcohol, training and employment, as well as exploring fun and creative youth activities in the area. Early Break, Rochdale’s anti bullying team, and the Princes Trust are all organisations you can expect to hear more about if you turn on to Fusion FM.

Kallum Nolan, aged 16, has been working hard over the past six months to produce his own show which looks back over Middleton’s music scene, taking listeners on a trip down memory lane with a flashback featuring dance tunes once played at ‘Hippos’ and an interview with Middleton’s next big thing, ‘Flat Caps and Boddingtons’. Kallum’s programme also explores the issue of anti social behaviour shown by some youths in the Middleton area. 

Kallum said: “It has been great to have this opportunity to learn so many new skills and even gain qualifications in Radio Production but the best thing about having my own radio show is the chance to be creative and get my views heard across Middleton.”

Jonathan Burns, Fusion Radio Managing Director, said: “Kallum and all of the young people involved in the fusion radio project have worked extremely hard over the past six months gaining the skills needed to manage their own radio station - not an easy task! Fusion FM will be a credit to them”

Music on the station will be varied with something for everyone from Pop, RnB and Dance with some Grime and Hip Hop programmes produced by local young MCs. To listen live to Middleton’s talent tune your radio into 106.3FM from Wednesday 29 August.

For more information on how you could be involved in future broadcasts or other projects call Pride Media Association on 0161 643 6266.