BOSSES at a Renfrewshire radio station are keen to hear from potential new recruits who want to make waves by joining their team.

Johnstone Sound currently reaches its audience online but hopes to be available on DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) in the near future.

The community radio station was launched in April 2019 and originally broadcast music shows and live events from various locations.

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers have been providing a service to local residents by hosting shows from their own homes.

Johnstone Sound also now has a new studio base in the town centre that will be used to broadcast live shows, as well as record community interviews and music from local artists to be broadcast at a later date.

The station has recently invested in a new playout system, which is the software used by radio broadcasters to store, schedule and play their audio content.

Alex Kerr, chairman of Johnstone Sound, told The Gazette: “We were given around £5,500 from the Lottery Fund for the sole purpose of getting a new playout system.

“We’re now at the stage where we can launch it on May 26.”

Johnstone Sound will be using the improved software to entertain audiences at summer events at the town’s Fordbank Primary School and Thomas Shanks Park.

Alex said: “With the new system we have now, it will be even easier to broadcast live at these types of events.

“The new system is quite expensive, however, so we’re still looking for local businesses with regards to doing a bit of advertising and stuff like that.”

As well as new advertisers, bosses are also searching for more volunteers to help with presenting shows, organising events and updating Johnstone Sound’s social media pages.

There are currently multiple time slots available throughout the week during the mid-morning and afternoon for local residents who are interested in hosting their own radio show.

Alex added: “We are really struggling to get new recruits, as I think a lot of people are working during these times.

“We’re hoping to hear from some retired or semi-retired folk who maybe have a few hours to spare every week or fortnight.

“However, our weekends are also quite empty at the moment, so that might fit in for some people who are working during the week.”

For more information or to offer your services, visit johnstonesound.com/join-us.