A new radio and podcast network focusing on Manchester’s vibrant cultural scene has launched.
MCR Live promises to break the mould of traditional radio, moving away from the ad-heavy format of existing local stations.
Led by Radio.co founder James Mulvany and student radio alumnus Rhys Hancock, MCR Live will produce content from its base in Jactin House, a former Victorian mill in the heart of Ancoats.
The MCR Live team will also consist of two full-time presenter/producers, Jess Campbell and Charlie Perry and audio producer Tom Hughes, who joins the station from Reform Radio.
“The network is the first step in creating a go-to platform for this city and we’re hugely excited to be up and running,” said James Mulvany.
The network will champion resident musicians, offer guides on the newest bars and restaurants, and deliver a series of podcasts with local personalities.
Launch podcasts include The Rundown, which looks at the week’s events, gigs and more across the city, Manchester Conversations, which features stories from the city’s unheard voices, and The Book of Future Podcast, which will examine tomorrow’s world through the work of applied futurist, Tom Cheesewright.
The network is launching with a range of content partners including Skiddle, Funkademia, First Chop Brewery, Scruff of the Neck Records, Mike Shaft, Silent Radio, Percolate, Will Tramp and Sofar Sounds.
The business’ start-up philosophy has enabled it to keep the project as lean as possible using Radio.co’s cloud-based platform to forgo the large initial costs which often come with radio set-up.
Content director Rhys Hancock said: “We’re really looking forward to engaging with the brilliant creative scene here in Manchester. If you’ve got something to say to the city, get in touch.”
You can tune in via the MCR Live app at http://www.mcr.live/ or via DAB digital radio as well as downloading podcasts of their favourite shows and features to enjoy later.
Anyone interested in getting involved can contact MCR Live on Twitter, Facebook or by emailing [email protected].