Thursday 16th April 2020
Since the Covid 19 lockdown and the closure of BCB studios, we’ve been working hard to keep Bradford connected through the airwaves. As we all adjust to staying at home, there’s inevitably been some shifting about and re-jigging of the BCB broadcast schedule. But thanks to the creativity and commitment of BCB staff and volunteers, we’re proud to say that we’ve been able to keep most of the BCB schedule running as normal. Over 50 new programmes are being produced every week with people broadcasting remotely and recording at home. It’s also resulted in some brand new programmes coming to air too. So a very big thanks to everyone who’s making this happen.
We recognise that sadly not all of our BCB volunteers are able to carry on broadcasting at the moment. We’ve been trying to find ways to stay in touch with everyone in our BCB community and hopefully they’ll all be back with us asap.
In these times of crisis, radio is yet again proving to be such an important part of people’s lives. It’s the company we seem to look for in these unsettling times. Whilst everyone is staying home, BCB Radio is able to let people know just what’s happening both within their community and across the Bradford District, providing up to date information and helping to reduce the sense of isolation that we’re all feeling.
Sunday 22nd March 2020
We have taken the unprecedented decision today to close the BCB building. As a result the studios will be off limits to all staff, volunteers and members of the public.
Events have moved fast since Friday. Bradford Council today launched its STAY AT HOME campaign, which means unless you are a key worker or going out for essential suppliers, or to exercise at distance, you must stay at home.
We intend to fulfill our role as a community radio station, albeit there will inevitably be an impact on our regular schedule.
In addition to enabling presenters to pre-record their programmes from home and submit them to us by email or Dropbox, we also looking at the best options for live remote broadcasting.
Please bear with us over the next 48 hours as we put all our contingency plans in place. We’d also urge you to stay at home, and encourage others to do the same.
Friday 20th March 2020
Our building is closed to the public. Unless you have an appointment to record or edit your programme, or broadcast live, we will politely turn you away.
BCB is adhering to strict social distancing procedures in the interests of keeping everyone safe.
Please call us if you have any questions on 01274 771677.
Wednesday 18th March 2020
Fellow volunteers,
Recently the Prime Minister announced that everyone in the UK should stop all non-essential contact with others and stop all unnecessary travel. He reiterated that people should consider working from home where they possibly can. And that we should all avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues for the foreseeable future.
This advice about avoiding all unnecessary social contact is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with certain health conditions.
As a result, we’ve taken the decision to reduce and restrict access to BCB. (see our advice about Remote Broadcasting)
Over the next few days we’ll be working out exactly what that means in terms of how we continue to operate over the coming weeks.
We would therefore ask that from now on, you only come into the building for essential reasons.If you are planning to come in to BCB in person this week we ask you to phone ahead before you come in, so we know when you’re planning to arrive and what you’re coming in to do. This extra measure will help us manage who is in the building and when.
We will be contacting you all in due course to discuss ways you can continue to present your programme, and assist us in keeping BCB on the airwaves at this difficult time for our community.
In the meantime, please look after yourselves and stay safe.
Kind regards and best wishes,
Dom
Chair, BCB
