Press Release: 22.06.06
National youth movement hits the airwaves sparking an alternative to negative broadcasting.
Audacious, a national youth movement, is partnering with Cross Rhythms City Radio to create a fresh brand of youth-oriented radio programming.
Audacious on Cross Rhythms is a new weekly, magazine radio programme targeting audiences of youth and young adults ages 12-30. The emphasis is on quirky humour and honest discussion of real-life issues, all with a positive and hopeful flavour. What’s more, it’s produced by the young, for the young.
Audacious is a registered charity run by young people who are committed to seeing people of their generation and the next reach their full potential. Audacious runs education programmes in schools and concert events incorporating music, media and more.
In 2001, Cross Rhythms became the first Christian-based radio station in the UK to be granted an FM license, broadcasting to Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Jonathan Bellamy, Cross Rhythms CEO, says: “At Cross Rhythms we recognize that Audacious has a proven ability to connect with an emerging generation.
“We believe that together we can communicate a vibrant and hopeful message to this fresh audience.”
The show’s four presenters have come together from very different backgrounds. It’s a mix that the team believes will bring a creative edge to the programme.
One of the presenters, Deanna Fletcher, is originally from Australia and has been involved in pioneering radio and media for 8 years. She was previously co-presenter for the popular Cross Rhythms Breakfast Show.
Rob Ellerington, from Pontefract, is a creative innovator in media and the arts. Recently married, he also works with teenagers teaching English and Art.
Sophia Barrett, originally from Sydney, Australia, is a well-known public speaker who delves into some of the most pressing issues facing today’s youth. She and her husband Glyn Barrett are the founding directors of Audacious.
Graham Smyth, originally from Bangor, Northern Ireland, is a journalist, applying his unique, out-of-the-box creativity to unusual stories.
Graham believes that the diversity of voices and personalities on Audacious contributes to the shows appeal.
“The show is different to pretty much everything I’ve heard before on radio,” he says. “You almost never get a range of accents or an eclectic mix of features as in our show.”
Deanna adds that the positive message of Audacious is the programme’s greatest strength.
She says: “There’s so much negative stuff out there for and about our age group. At Audacious Radio, we’re creating a new, positive media space.”
The regular line-up includes a quirky comedy feature called “The Love Doctor”. A Dutch-sounding, cryptic Agony Uncle offers apparently random relationship advice to anyone who requests it.
Audacious on Cross Rhythms broadcasts every Thursday from 21:00 and is available throughout Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme on Cross Rhythms City Radio 101.8 FM. Alternatively, audiences can listen online or via Sky digital.
For those who miss the live broadcast, Audacious on Cross Rhythms is available for streaming online through our website: www.liveaudacious.com/media/radio.aspx