DJs keep local radio stations transmitting during snow
RADIO presenters slept at their studios overnight to make sure six of Wales’ stations stayed on air as heavy snow hit the area.
Lee Jukes and Mark Powell were among those who bedded down on the floor of the Nation Broadcasting Group near Cowbridge.
The building on the A48 at St Hilary, near Cowbridge, became surrounded by 5ft snow drifts overnight on Thursday, which trapped them in the building until late on Friday.
“We walked down to the end of the driveway and we decided with 5ft of snow by our gate there’s no chance of us getting home today,” said Lee, the Bridge FM Radio drivetime presenter, on Friday.
Lee decided not to risk leaving after his show, which is broadcast across Bridgend and on other Welsh stations, finished at 7pm Thursday.
Mark arrived for work 12 hours early to ensure the breakfast show – which is broadcast on BridgeFM and other stations including Swansea Bay Radio and Radio Pembrokeshire – would go ahead as normal on Friday.
But as his usual cohost Brogan Hubber was unable to make it in he woke Lee up to join him on air.
Five staff, including Lee and Mark, were running six radio stations, including Nation and Radio Carmarthenshire, instead of the normal quota of 20 to 30.
“Neil Greenslade the boss is here, presenter Sam Vaughan as well and Carl Hughes. Others are working from home,” said Lee on Friday.
“In weather like this the listeners depend on the traffic news and the radio and tune in for certain information.
“It’s five of us running six stations at the moment. But the bosses have brought in lots of food and we have enough to last the weekend if we need to.
“But compared to all the carers that are still having to get around the area and care for people what we are doing is nothing at the end of the day. They are the army of Wales,” added Mark.
Lee thanked those who kept them up to date with all the latest travel information from around the area.