Disability Radio Station Access All Aerials Transitions to Digital Broadcasting

An Exeter-based community radio station catering to disabled individuals is now available for listening on digital radio. Access All Aerials (AAA) has successfully acquired its DAB+ licence, making it the first disability broadcaster to fully transition to digital. The radio station is operated by 50 people with disabilities and broadcasts programs designed to empower the disabled community by ensuring their voices are heard. Access All Aerials is managed by Community Equality Disability Action (CEDA) from its radio studio in Marsh Barton and reports that thousands of listeners tune in to its variety of music shows and talk radio. CEDA stated that the radio station also aims to help disabled people achieve visibility and be valued. Greg Hill, who hosts the station’s Tuesday Drivetime programme, commented: “My hope for the future is to build our listenership and get our voices heard; mainstream radio doesn’t give the same opportunities to disabled people.” A grant of £115,025 from the National Lottery Community Fund assisted the community radio station in securing the DAB+ licence. A portion of this grant is funding a media mentors scheme, which has created two positions at the station for people with disabilities. These mentors instruct disabled volunteers on how to operate equipment and present a show. Media mentor Georgy Tubb mentioned she had acquired skills in establishing and managing a radio station. She added: “I work with DJs with learning disabilities. We want to get across on the radio what it’s like to live with different disabilities.” Jacob Towner, who is visually impaired, expressed his ambition to work in clubs. As DJ Shrimp, he presents the Saturday Night Dance Party radio show on AAA. He stated: “I’ve got good muscle memory. I can find my way around the decks. I know exactly what’s where. Mixing music is a really tactile process.”