Konnect Radio: going viral during the virus

Konnect Radio: going viral during the virus

After 20 years in mainstream radio Gareth Cottrell (pictured) wanted to see a new station playing secular and Christian music – bridging the gap between the two.

So, in the height of the pandemic, he launched Konnect Radio, a digital station covering the middle ground. And news of its launch when viral during the virus.

‘It had been on my heart for eight years,’ said the 37-year-old broadcaster, ‘but in a few months we have 33,000 regular listeners and the numbers are growing fast.’

Under Gareth’s guidance, the station produces a regular supply of music with a range of presenters. While Gareth hosts the breakfast show from 7am, other presenters include recent acquisition Steve Legg, a comedian, magician and editor of the Christian men’s magazine, Sorted. Steve runs The Big Lunch, a Saturday programme from noon to 1pm packed with chat, music and special guest interviews.

John Clayton, former presenter on Greatest Hits Radio, joined the daytime schedule as the station’s first mid-morning presenter. Other regular spots are linked by continuous music bridging the secular-Christian divide.

‘Konnect Radio is the UK’s positive alternative,’ explained Gareth. ‘It’s a national radio station dedicated to bringing safe, family-friendly, contemporary content with added fun, laughter and great music. In addition, we believe that music helps people on a spiritual journey whether that be a new encounter or developing existing faith. So, as part of the mix, we broadcast contemporary Christian music and hope this helps our readers on their journey.’

The station is accessed by smartphone or tablet on Amazon Alexa desktop or laptop through the website. Gareth will be at CRE National 2021 to chat to those who share his vision. He will also introduce plans for a mobile studio to take to events across the UK. 

‘Having crunched the numbers, for £6500 we can invest in a state-of-the-art mobile broadcast studio,’ said Gareth. ‘At events such as New Wine, Spring Harvest and CRE we can have live shows running throughout.’

You can hear a Konnect Radio interview with CRE managing director Steve Goddard here

• Konnect Radio are on stand V1a at CRE National 2021

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