RadioAlty celebrates five years of broadcasting and nurturing local talent

What began as a lockdown experiment in 2020 has blossomed into one of Altrincham’s most exciting community institutions.

As RadioAlty celebrates its fifth birthday, the online station is not only reflecting on half a decade of broadcasting but also looking to the future: with an open invitation to the next wave of aspiring radio presenters.

RadioAlty

Based in Altrincham and powered entirely by over 30 dedicated volunteers, RadioAlty has become more than just a local station.

It’s a launchpad for talent, a space where creativity flourishes, and a hub where people of all ages can find their voice.

“We started RadioAlty to give local people a platform – a chance to develop real skills in media, and to express themselves,” said Stephen Carlton-Woods, Chair of Altrincham Community Media CIC.

“In just five years, we’ve seen so many young people take their first steps here and move on to media degrees and professional roles. That tells us we’re doing something right.”

Born from lockdown

From humble beginnings during lockdown, when the team launched four months earlier than planned, RadioAlty has grown into a station that now boasts more than 35 diverse shows and a rich catalogue of podcasts.

Topics range from high school life and environmental issues to sports, music, and retirement planning. The station has covered major local events including the Manchester Marathon and Britfest, and is the proud broadcasting partner of Altrincham FC.

But at its heart, RadioAlty is about opportunity.

A way into the broadcasting industry

Just ask Tom Jolley. A familiar voice to listeners of Soundtrack to Sport and The Theatres of Dreams podcast, Tom credits the station for giving him a head start. He said: “RadioAlty has given me the opportunity to build hands-on skills in broadcast journalism and to develop my knowledge through a wide
range of different media formats – podcast, live radio, and pre-recorded shows. It gave me a head start when I commenced my broadcast journalism course at UA92”.

Or Becky Brown, now part of the production team behind The Chris Moyles Show.“What makes RadioAlty special is the way you are encouraged to build your own brand and make your own type of show. I learned not only how to present and structure my radio show but also how to build the brand around it.”

And then there’s Elysia Zdolyny, whose passion for the environment inspired The Earth Show, a weekly program discussing sustainability and spotlighting local eco-initiatives. “The freedom to develop a show around something I care about has been so empowering,” she said. “The support here is incredible.”

Building community: near and far

The RadioAlty family extends beyond the borders of Altrincham. Alison Howells, a former operations manager, first discovered the station while living in France.

““I began listening to RadioAlty in its early days from my home in France and was impressed by the range and quality of the shows, presented by enthusiastic volunteers who are passionate about the music they love. As a British ex-Pat from Cheshire, and especially during the covid lockdown, the sense of community in the programmes helped me feel connected to the place I had left.

“When I retired, I was looking for a new hobby to fill my abundant spare time and decided to volunteer with RadioAlty.

“After all, if they could start a radio station in lockdown, then why couldn’t I help out from another country? Joining RadioAlty was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was welcomed into the family and my admin support was much appreciated. Soon I began to learn new skills – programme scheduling and audio editing, something I had never expected to do in my 60s.

“It is lovely to see RadioAlty grow and prosper and to know that I made a small contribution to that process. We have a track record of encouraging young people to gain experience on the station on their way to professional careers in broadcasting and it is particularly heartening to see so many women joining what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry.

“So, RadioAlty, congratulations on your 5th birthday. Wishing you many more years of providing great shows to the people of Altrincham and beyond.”

Her story captures the inclusive spirit of RadioAlty—a station that values passion over polish, and where everyone, from teens to retirees, has something valuable to offer.

Your invitation to join the airwaves

Now, as it turns five, RadioAlty is once again opening its doors to new voices. If you’re 16 or older and have a passion for radio, broadcasting, or simply sharing great stories, the team would love to hear from you.

As founding member and host Rod Maxwell put it, “Altrincham is buzzing with creativity. With the Britfest on our doorstep, a National League football team, and loads of events thanks to Altrincham BID, this town is full of stories waiting to be told.

“We’re just getting started.”

Interested in being part of the story? Email RadioAlty@gmail.com to find out how you can get involved.

You can check out RadioAlty’s website by clicking here