Ay Up Duck, there’s a ‘quacking’ new radio station flying into North Staffordshire

Ay Up Duck Radio is the name of a new community radio station that has launched in North Staffordshire. It is the brain child of friends Dave Johnson and Rob Ledgar.

The station will be broadcast online and be based in the heart of the city of Stoke-on-Trent at The Coachmakers Arms in Hanley.

Landlord Rob said: “We expect to start slowly and build the station show by show. We will be encouraging volunteers to create their own shows by supporting them to develop their interests to create a radio show to share their passion.

“Our ambition is to get our signal beyond the Six Towns of our city, transmitting all over the world sharing the creative culture and passion that we have for North Staffordshire.

“Our city has given the world a rich diversity of talent, including the likes of Lemmy from Motorhead, Robbie Williams, Jackie Trent, Slash from Guns ‘N’Roses and Punk icons Discharge.

“If we can add further to that by helping another musican to get that all-important break, or if we can help develop a presenter, then we’ll be very happy."

Dave, a former presenter at 6 Towns Radio said: “Ay Up Duck Radio aims to be a totally independent, advertisement free, community radio station for everybody, whether that means sitting in your armchair at home listening to the music or becoming a volunteer presenter.

“Should you wish to present your own show, or wish to explore any other opportunity in radio or written journalism, we would encourage you to get in touch. You can contact us by email at ayupduckradio@gmail.com.

“We can offer you training to help you on to present your own show or get involved in other aspects of a radio station.

“We are looking for people who want to join us in whatever capacity they feel comfortable with, whether that be presenting, interviewing people, writing for the website, administration or helping meet and greet guests.”