Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3…
In a very modest workspace, in a business park on the edge of the city, a new community radio station has recently taken to the airwaves.
Positive Plymouth was invited to meet some of the team at Soundwave Radio Plymouth to discover how it came about, what makes it different from other stations, and what plans it has for the future.
With a handful of black and white posters adorning the walls of one room, and a studio full of faders, lights and computers in the other, we met directors Steve Rowlands and Chris Baker - whilst presenter Jack Stidwell kept the needles wagging to entertain his teatime audience.
Radio - with the emphasis on local
When a local radio station disappears, it takes with it more than familiar voices.
It can also mean the loss of a platform for local music, community groups, sporting clubs and the people whose stories might never otherwise make it onto the airwaves.
So when their previous station folded in May 2026, the team had a decision to make. For many of them, the answer was clear: they wanted to keep going.
That’s how Soundwave Radio Plymouth (SRP) was born, with Steve Rowlands and Chris Baker stepping forward to take the lead.
As Steve puts it, they “strapped on the big boy pants and decided to give it a go”.
It’s a refreshingly straightforward way of describing what is, in reality, a considerable undertaking.
Running a radio station takes people, time, equipment and not least of all, money. Enthusiasm alone won’t pay the bills and so the aim is to build something that can sustain itself, without trying to become bigger than it needs to be.
Based at the Airport Business Park, the station is very much in its formative stages, but there are some ambitious plans for its future.
So what exactly does Soundwave want to be?
“It’s community. It’s about local voices. It’s about local people. It’s about fun and entertainment. And it’s about making sure that everybody feels included.”
That’s Steve’s summary. Chris’s version is shorter, but no less emphatic: it’s local - “with a big underline”.
Sounds like Plymouth
Soundwave Radio Plymouth wants to offer the sort of local radio that feels connected to the place it serves.
Local music is a big part of that, alongside arts, sport, community organisations, charities and events.
The idea is to give people and groups around Plymouth a platform, including those who might not otherwise get much of a hearing.
There’s room for different tastes, too. The ambition is to cater for everyone from eight to 80, with a mix of programmes rather than trying to make every show appeal to the same audience.
Some listeners will want familiar local radio, while others may be drawn to a particular interest or a more specialist programme. And with programmes available to listen to on demand, there’s more flexibility about when people tune in.
Neither Steve nor Chris seems especially interested in a battle for bragging rights with other stations. They recognise that other community broadcasters have their own value, and Soundwave Radio Plymouth intends to concentrate on doing its own job well.
As Steve puts it, “We don't see ourselves as wanting to be the biggest. We just want to be as good as we possible can be.”
For a new station finding its feet, it’s a sensible approach. The ambition is to become a trusted community resource; somewhere local people can turn to, rather than simply a hobby for those behind the microphones.
Each presenter is unique
One of the more interesting parts of our conversation wasn’t about programmes, playlists or the technology that keeps a station on air. It was about the people who present the shows.
SRP relies on volunteers, and Steve and Chris are clear that they don’t all arrive with the same experience, confidence or learning needs.
Some may pick up the equipment quickly; others might need more time, one-to-one support, written guidance or short videos they can revisit.
The important thing is to work with the individual rather than expect everyone to learn in the same way.
That might sound obvious, but it’s an approach with real potential. Radio can give people a chance to develop skills, find confidence and become part of something.
For someone who is nervous, has health challenges or simply learns at a different pace, a little patience and the right support can make all the difference.
Steve is particularly concerned that presenters shouldn’t be left feeling inadequate because they haven’t mastered everything straight away. He wants people to enjoy the experience and feel supported, and he makes his view on the consequences of getting that wrong very clear:
“If we don’t do that, that's failure,” he says.
The success of SRP won’t be measured solely by how many people are listening. It will also depend on whether the people making the programmes feel they belong there.
Behind the microphone
One of the people already making his mark is Jack Stidwell, a young presenter whom Steve describes as one of the station’s “shining stars”.
Jack brings enthusiasm, knowledge and a real interest in the technical side of broadcasting.
“I like to do weird topics for people to interact with,” Jack tells us. “Last week I asked ‘If you could marry a food - what would it be?’ but I also do a local events list and give a shout out to new music.”
Jack says his love of radio began at school, and that one of the things he enjoys most is being able to entertain people without having to be seen.
Well you’ve copped out today, Jack - because we’re videoing you too! 😂
In a world where so much communication seems to depend on being on camera, radio still offers the chance to connect with people through nothing more than a voice, a bit of personality and something worth sharing.
More than a hobby
There’s plenty for Steve and Chris to think about as SRP develops. Financial sustainability is essential, as is building an audience and attracting enough presenters to keep the station’s output varied and to provide a team for outside broadcasts and community events.
They estimate they need around 10 more presenters to give them a stronger pool of people to call on.
That’s an invitation, then! Do you, or anyone you know, fancy giving radio a go? It doesn’t matter whether you’ve previous broadcasting experience or are starting from scratch, they’d love to hear from you.
Chris, as creative director, is involved in producing shows, supporting presenters, making jingles and adverts, and building links with local bands. Steve takes on much of the operational work, including training, partnerships, finances and the practical business of keeping the station running. Between them, they’re trying to balance the creative side of radio with the less glamorous work that makes it possible.
Their ambitions are grounded in Plymouth: to support local music and sport, give community organisations a voice, welcome a broad range of presenters and build a station people can rely on.
It’s early days, and they’re the first to admit there’s work to do. But their intention is clear. Soundwave Radio Plymouth wants to be part of the city’s community, and to make room for more of the people who live in it.
How to listen to Soundwave Plymouth
You can listen online at soundwaveradioplymouth.com.
If you’ve a smart speaker, try asking Alexa to: “Play Soundwave Radio Plymouth.” You can also find the station through the myTuner and radio.net apps.
And if you’re a local musician, community group or someone who has always wondered whether radio might be for you, Soundwave could very well be worth getting to know.
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