Radio NuSound

The campaign for a radio station catering for the local community in Newham was started in 1989 by NuSound, formerly Star Sound Radio. A meeting was called which included local councillors, local businessmen, leaders from local communities and members of the general public, the aim of which was to explore ways of improving communications between the various communities making up the segregated ethnic populations of Newham.

At the meeting all parties involved agreed that radio would be the best medium to serve the local community. It would provide a means for local businesses to advertise within the community and increase their revenues; at the same time, community leaders would be able to ensure that their messages for the community would be heard by a wider audience. Radio would also ensure that serious issues facing the community ranging from rape, domestic violence, drug abuse, homosexuality, to subjects such as unemployment, careers advice and schooling could be aired and considered within the Community. Radio is a medium that is easily accessible, and does not require any extra costs. It was also felt that mainstream media ignored local people and their needs.

During the campaign over 50,000 letters of support and petition signatures from the local community have already been delivered to Ofcom (formerly Radio Authority and IBA) over the last decade. Such letters included support from all religious and ethnic quarters within Newham.

Under the name of “Star Sound Radio”, the group obtained its first RSL in July 1991. The two years of groundwork put in by the team made the RSL an exceptional success. The success of the group meant that the group was chosen to team up with Newham Council to promote the 1991 Newham Mela, which attracted over 20,000 people, four times greater than the previous year when no radio broadcasts existed at all for the local community.

The group received very positive responses from members of the public, community leaders, local MPs and local councils. The group became a member of the Community Radio Association (CRA - now the Community Media Association) in 1991, and also sponsored several conferences for the CRA. The group built its radio expertise by broadcasting on Millennium 106.8FM (previously known as RTM 103.8FM) for eight years from 1991 until 1998. Further RSL’s have been carried out at every opportunity provided by the Radio Authority in January 1992, February 1995, December 1998, December 1999, Aril 2002 and April The group has been involved in the promotion of numerous festivals and initiatives organised by local councils. Examples of this are listed below: Public Version 1.0 30th July 2004.

Newham Mela 1991 – this was the first ever Mela to be promoted on local radio. Newham Council thanked Starmela’s support by stating that “without the … (support) that you gave to the Mela we would not have attracted as many people as we did … people were talking about it for days, and the event is now definitely an annual festival which both Newham’s Asian and non- Asian community look forward to…”. The Newham Mela has since become an essential annual festival.

Racial Equality Awareness Festival 1995 – this was organised by Greenwich Council

Inauguration for the Sikh Festival 1999 – this event was carried out by Greenwich Council in Plumstead

Mayor’s New Years Parade 1998 & 1999 - Starmela was extremely honoured in being invited to join the Mayor’s New Years Parade in central London by the Mayor of Redbridge John Lovell. Starmela was then further flattered when the groups’ contribution resulted in Redbridge Council’s entry winning first prize in 1999.

Plumstead (Greenwich) Mela 2000

Bexleyheath Tamil Sports Day Event 2000 – This is the largest ever gathering for sports within the Tamil community in the UK Tamil Mela 2000 – This festival occurred in Southhall, Middlesex Mauritian Mela 2000 – This festival took place in Redbridge “Humara Ghar” (Our Home) Association (1991 onwards) – Starmela has regularly provided music and entertainment for the physically challenged and elderly as part of this London-wide initiative to improve the daily lives of such people.

Various Local Charity Events – Starmela has supported several such events each year since 1991.

Over the years the group has provided the opportunity for prominent dignitaries and local groups to reach the community. Such groups and individuals include Tony Banks MP, Steven Timms MP, Sir Neil Thorne, Alcoholics Anonymous, the Chief Inspector of Forest Gate Police Station (Metropolitan Police), the local Fire Brigade and Domestic Violence Units from Thamesmead and Brixton.

In addition to working within Newham, NuSound has experience in dealing with over 17 different radio groups across the country providing advisory services to them. This has been invaluable to the development of the group, and greatly assisted the groups understanding of the radio and broadcast industries. NuSound has strengthened its links with the diverse communities across London and beyond, formed strong relations with the business community, as well as improving operational strategies in marketing, finance, audience research and the overall running of a radio station.