Support helps keep radio station going
The future of Perthshire’s community-run radio station Heartland FM looks more secure thanks to a rally of public support.
The Pitlochry-based broadcaster started a crowdfunding campaign in December and came away £31,000 the better for it.
Station manager Alistair Smith had told Heartland FM supporters that he hoped to bring in a target of £25,000 to safeguard the radio’s immediate future, so the extra £6000 was a welcome boost.
Sales and marketing manager Chris Stanton said it had been a “relief” to reach the target.
He added: “The feel-good factor towards us has never been stronger and this experience has shown us all how valued our radio station is.
“We need businesses to back us once they can and we have already established the perfect platform from which to do it.
“Support came from right across Highland Perthshire and also from much further afield too which illustrates perfectly how much visitors to our area benefit from our being here.
“It was during the final week or so that the target was met.
“Businesses, individuals, families and local groups all showed their support in the most generous way they could.
“The generosity of people, particularly during these difficult times, overwhelmed the whole team.”
The radio station had appealed for help because its advertising lifeline had disappeared with the effects of the pandemic on the hospitality industry in the district.
Reflecting on the money pledged, Chris added: “We cannot say for sure if it has saved us but it has bought us time to weather the storm.”
Heartland chairman Graham Huggins explained how thrilled both he and the whole team were at the massive achievement of passing the crowdfunding target.
“The community has backed us and endorsed what I believe is the best community radio station in the country,” he explained.
“This has bought us some time to work on our strategy and to continue developing the output and community support we have been doing for some time. It means the people in place, the team that run Heartland Multimedia, can continue with their excellent work for the time being.”
Station manager Alistair felt that whilst he expected a good level of support, he had not expected “the sincerity of the conversations” he was having with supporters both online and on the telephone.
He added: “I knew we had fans and followers and I know we appeal to a cross-section of our society with some great diverse programming.
“Some of the chats I was having became quite emotional as people recalled their first experiences with us.
“Holiday makers who have visited Highland Perthshire still listen to us many years since they were last here.
Their fond memories of listening in and picking up a real flavour of Highland Perthshire have stayed with them.”
Bruce Patterson, the editor of Iris, Heartland’s monthly digital magazine, added: “The whole team has been re-energised following this shared experience and we intend to connect with our community better than we ever have.
“The radio and the magazine are perfect ways to do this and particularly so now, more than ever before.”
The crowdfunding page will not close down and listeners and supporters can donate any time.
Hear more at www.heartland.scot