Here’s some quick tips to help you find your way around
Who runs Cambridge Radio?
The Board comprises Greg Butler and Trevor Dann.
The Steering Group oversees the day to day running of the station. It comprises Greg Butler (Chair & Sales), Julian Clover (Editorial Lead), Lucy Milazzo (Programme Organiser), Rob Chipperfield (Engineering Lead) Alex Elbro (Charity Liason) and Amy Gray.
I’m new here, how do I get access to things?
When you joined you should have completed our Volunteer Form, this will normally trigger a welcome email that details our Facebook and Slack Groups. If you need to upload any files to our playout system, you’ll be sent a password. Key Fobs are issued free to those making a monthly donation or £5 for those who choose not to do so.
How do I get a Cambridge Radio email address?
Email Rob Chipperfield to request one: rob@cambridge.radio
Where do I get jingles?
Most shows will have a set of jingles produced for them. If you need additional jingles or idents, please ask Julian julian@cambridge.radio. It’s important we keep to the station sound.
Can I get a sponsor for my show?
Yes please! If you have someone in mind email details to Greg Butler on sales@cambridge.radio
How do I get a promo on the air?
Lucy & Julian can produce a promo for you like the ones you hear at the start of our ad breaks. More details here: cambridge105.co.uk/promos
I need to use the studio or Remote Rivendell. Is it available?
Look at cambridge105.co.uk/resources/studio-availability to find a slot and then email bookings@cambridge.radio to book it.
Something is broken in the studio. Where do I report it?
If you need urgent assistance for something preventing you going on-air, use #engineering-team in Slack tagging one of the engineering team and/or the phone numbers on the poster in the studio. There’s no need to tag not urgent queries.
I have a complaint – who do I speak to?
In the first instance, tell the Editorial Lead (Julian Clover). He may then refer your complaint to the board.
Where do I send information about what’s on my show?
Email schedule@cambridge.radio – at least two days before your show is due to air – longer if possible to allow for extra publicity. If your show goes out over the weekend, please send your schedule info by 4pm on Friday to ensure it’s posted. schedule@ is an internal address – please don’t share outside the statiom.
I’m using the studio this evening; do I need a parking permit?
We recommend vehicles always display a permit.
I’d like to help with other areas of the station operations – who do I speak to?
Approach the appropriate person or ask Julian to refer you.
Do I need to lock up when I leave the studio?
Please check the whiteboard in Studio A for confirmation on who the last person due in is on that day – if you see your name, you need to lock up!
What do I need to do when locking up the studio?
Please make sure all speakers are switched off (Studio A, B and Green Room); Make sure the air conditioning is off; Please wedge both studio doors open to allow air to circulate, do your washing up and switch off the lights; The keys are to the left of the main door, use both locks, and pop the keys through the letterbox. If the keys feel stiff, pull the door handle whilst turning them.
Where do I empty the bins?
The bin store is located directly opposite the entrance to the studios. You’ll find the key to the left of the studio door, marked Bins. New bin bags are under the sink.
Where are the toilets?
The men’s and disabled toilets are located to the right of the entrance to the studios. The women’s toilet is on your right as you leave the Gwydir Street Centre. The keys hang up behind the door – please return them after use.
What are the timings for my show?
At Cambridge Radio an hour is 56:30. You need to leave 2 minutes at the start of your programme for Sky News and end your programme recording at 58:30 before continuing with a few seconds of silence.
If I am pre-recording my show, what format and technical specifications should I follow?
You’ll find all the details here cambridge105.co.uk/timings
What about the news?
News happens on the top of the hour, fed automatically from the systems. Our news pre-roll starts at HH:58:30, followed by Sky News for approximately 2 minutes, to finish around HH:02:00. We don’t normally break evening music shows for news.
Does it matter if there’s swearing in a song?
There is no watershed on radio and swearing on air should always be avoided at all times –- in presented speech as well as song lyrics. If you inadvertently play a track that has explicit lyrics, please apologise, and note the track details down. Report it to #engineering-team in Slack so that it can be deleted from our library.
Can I play any music I like?
Our Daytime target audience [35 to 55 year olds]. All Daytime shows should be based on the Reccomended Playlists. This gives us – and the listener – a consistent sound.
If you’d like music added that is not in our library, please message in #music on Slack.
What if I want to use CDs or records for my show?
Generally, we would advise playing .mp3 or .wav files wherever possible. They simply sound better! If you are presenting a specialist show, you may be using CDs or records, because a digital file simply isn’t available. (CD decks and turntables are only available in Studio A). Please familiarise yourself with the equipment, and features such as Fader Start. The tech team can provide training on request.
Can I stream or rip from YouTube or Spotify?
Sorry! We’re not licensed to broadcast recordings taken from any streaming platforms.
How do I invite a guest to be on my show?
Contact your guest preferably from a Cambridge Radio email address. There’s a Sample Letter here
How do I interview a remote guest?
Cleanfeed and Zoom are available in both studios. These provide a much clearer sound on air. If your guest has a poor broadband connection you can also use a telephone connection direct from the studio desk. We prefer Cleanfeed over Zoom as there is no installation required on your guest’s computer or phone. The tech team can assist with Cleanfeed instructions to provide to your guest prior to your interview taking place.
As a last resort, we can do telephone calls to air, but remember we’re paying for the call, whereas the other solutions do not incur costs. We don’t generally allow inbound calls to the studio desk as we have no call screening capabilities.
Can I run a competition on my show?
Many presenters run contests ‘just for fun’, although their value is sometimes questionable. Please try to avoid calling them competitions unless there is a tangible prize. For prize competitions – think first – is the donor just trying to get some free advertising? If you do run a prize competition it’s a legal requirement to point to the ‘terms and conditions’ on the Cambridge Radio website. Please familiarise yourself with the T&Cs.
