Reading's housing associations to take over the airwaves

Reading residents can tune in for a refreshing mix of music, community chat and local news thanks to a brand new broadcast sponsored by three local housing associations. The new Reading4U will be broadcast on 87.9FM from 8am on November 27 to 6pm on November 30.

Over four days, Reading residents will be able to listen to special programmes sponsored by Catalyst Communities, Thames Valley Housing Association (TVHA) and Homes Group.

These will include live panel discussions on current housing issues, covering subjects such as taking the first steps in housing and home ownership.

Meanwhile, a session called “Reading voices” will feature interviews with a range of community organisations across the borough.  Topics including the Amersham Road development and Reading Single Homeless Project will also be discussed.

The Reading4U broadcast will be coordinated by popular local DJ Eddie Winship, the founder of Reading Community Radio (RCR). RCR broadcasts community news and entertainment for the Reading area, giving a voice to the sections of the community that are not represented by mainstream radio.

Holly Rosenegk, Community Development Officer for Catalyst said: “Housing issues affect everyone. We’re confident that Reading4U will show that the subject is really interesting and wide-ranging.

"We hope that as many of our local residents will tune in to 87.9FM, whether they’re looking to find out more about affordable homes or wanting to know more about what’s going on in their neighbourhood. There really will be something for everyone.”

John Baldwin, Housing Director for TVHA, said: "We are very excited to be part of such a fantastic community project. It is a great opportunity for our residents and staff to get involved in the local Reading community and have great fun doing it."

Tune in to the first station on the dial, 87.9FM, from 8am 27 November to find out more about the important role housing associations play in the Reading community.