Founded in 1988, OSCAR Radio is the only radio station run and directed exclusively by u18s. With the continued support of Sir Howard Stringer (chairman, Sony Worldwide) and Mr Carl Heinlein and managed by lower-sixth-form pupils Hetty Hodgson (17) and Alice Park (17) , OSCAR has a legacy spanning 16 years.
Managing director Hetty Hodgson says: “In my opinion OSCAR Radio is one of Oundle’s greatest assets. Our aim is to get people in the town and at school talking about and tuning in to the station. Our new vibrant management team hope to improve the variety and quality of the shows, with new shows including a radio play and quiz show. Please tune in to 87.9FM for our innovative and exciting line-up of shows.”
Although they do not want to give away all of their new plans, the pupils have decided that they wish to involve the whole school, including teachers, and look forward to their appearances on air this March. Sixteen years after OSCAR was first established, this completely pupil-run radio station is reaching the end of its teen years and, they say, they are ready to give it a more grown-up look.
Head of OSCAR Radio, Chris Pettitt, says: “I am very much looking forward to this upcoming broadcast as we have one of the best management teams that we have had for a number of years. I expect to hear some entertaining and stimulating radio with a wealth of influences from across the spectrum of school life, and for this broadcast we are directing our spotlight towards the school’s cultural diversity. We hope to have programming in several languages and plan to embrace the cultures experienced on our overseas trips and from our many pupils from around the world, as well as dedicated programming for the 100th anniversary of WWI. I have already set my radio to 87.9 FM in anticipation of the broadcast in March.”
OSCAR Radio reaches a 30 square-mile range and has attracted responsive audiences for all 32 previous broadcasts. Pupils create and host their own shows, from music shows – Live Lounge and Afrobeatz – to topical shows like News and Nutters. With concerts, customary news, sports, music, current affairs, debates, community events and drama, the aim of this March broadcast is to increase the quality and variety on offer.
Headmaster Charles Bush comments: “OSCAR Radio is very special. It provides a wonderful opportunity for pupils to understand the challenges and delights of broadcasting live and also to be creative and entertaining. For generations, Oundle pupils have demonstrated remarkable diversity and flair. Local residents now eagerly await to hear what makes each new broadcast special. Congratulations on so many successful years!”
The upcoming broadcast will run from 10 to 24 March on 87.9FM. Listeners will be able to tune in on their radios or use the live streaming utility on OSCAR’s website at www.oscar-radio.org where they can also listen to podcasts.
