WHAT’S THE STORY?

IndyLive.Radio (ILR), the online Scottish independence radio station, went into lockdown along with much of the rest of Scotland in March but the experience has become a blessing in disguise for the people behind the scenes.

The team of volunteers, led by Kevin Gibney, the founder of Independence Live in 2013 and IndyLive.Radio in 2019, initially found having no access to their small Glasgow production studio was a daunting experience.

Fortunately, the studio-based PC used for streaming the broadcast content could be accessed remotely. Live studio show hosts initially turned to creating recorded shows at home while presenters became familiar with remotely setting “back end” broadcast software clocks, uploading recorded shows and updating the website.

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WHAT ARE THEY TRYING TO ACHIEVE?

EARLY in lockdown, the ILR team agreed a stated aim to develop the radio station output in preparation for a future referendum in order to be the go-to location for radio-based engagement, information and entertainment as we prepare for independence.

Regular Zoom team meetings generated positive ideas to develop the radio station – including broadcasting live shows, remotely, increasing the number of presenters and conducting a selection of surveys to establish what listeners wanted to hear and when they wanted to hear it.

The results have exceeded all expectations and provide a firm foundation for ILR to grow, continue to host informed guest speakers and also entertain with music and sports shows.

Previously broadcast shows, including political interviews and podcasts, are retained for future listening via the IndyLive.Radio website plus a new Indy Live Radio YouTube channel.

The weekly schedule of live and recorded shows has undergone substantial changes and continues to do so as more hosts volunteer their time to present shows and help the cause for Scottish independence. The survey remains open on the indylive.radio website.

WHO IS INVOLVED?

KEVIN Gibney’s management has been essential for the continued service of Independence Live and IndyLive.Radio during the pandemic. As well as supporting his wife Claire to continue her degree studies and assisting with the home educating of their children, he also kept everything running smoothly and growing at Independence Live and IndyLive.Radio.

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Steve Callaghan is IndyLive.Radio’s IT guru. Steve has been instrumental in keeping ILR broadcasting during lockdown as part of the team effort.

The Daytime Show is hosted by Valerie Gauld and Marlene Halliday, who are both active members of Yes Glasgow North West and Pensioners for Independence. They co-host the show remotely from different locations, interviewing politicians, journalists, independence groups and well-informed speakers from all aspects of our social and economic infrastructure.

Former Radio Caroline and Radio Clyde DJ Steve Bearne hosts the Music and Musings Show. Steve, who moved to Scotland more than 40 years ago, was gutted with the result of the 2014 referendum and vowed to do more ahead of our next opportunity.

Former Crooked Jack vocalist and musician James Elliot calls himself Mr Grumpy, which couldn’t be further from the truth. The James E Show specialises in introducing new Scottish musicians and bands to a wider audience and giving their music a platform.

Ray James hosts The IndyPram Podcast with a wide selection of contributions from politicians and independence speakers. Ray retired as a financial adviser before turning to professional acting and has appeared on both stage and in over 30 films. He moved to Scotland in 1977 and is an SNP branch officer, founder member of Yes Bearsden and Milngavie, and a national committee member of English Scots For Yes.

Fiona McGregor of Clackmannanshire Women For Independence presents podcasts which include interviews, poetry, jazz and WFI group discussions. Paul Cooper is the host of Gravity Waves, an ambient and electronic music show which broadens the scope of music for the benefit of listeners.

Paul moved to Scotland in 2004 and is the national treasurer for English Scots For Yes and editor of the Edinburgh Yes Hub magazine. New presenter John Drummond, a Sunday National columnist, produces the The Nation Talks show which Kevin streams on Independence Live with an audio feed to IndyLive.Radio.

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“Doctor Dave” volunteered to join the station during lockdown and promptly had his live music show up and running remotely. Dave served in Bosnia, Germany and Gibraltar as a reserve soldier and previously hosted programmes on ESK FM and STAR FM.

Michael McEwan joined the ILR team relatively recently, producing a podcast relating to issues for the disabled. He is a freelance journalist, chair of East Renfrewshire Disability Action and campaigns on local issues.

Kevin Croly and his daughter Cameron are the newest additions to the IndyLive.Radio team with the Daddy-Daughter Discussion – life in Scotland through the eyes of a 10-year-old.

HOW CAN THE YES MOVEMENT HELP?

IndyLive.Radio would love to hear from anyone interested in hosting a chat or music show. Email studio@indylive.radio

Independence Live and IndyLive.Radio also normally run four crowdfunding appeals each year to cover operating costs for both the streaming and radio. The lockdown coincided with the spring 2020 appeal so that has remained open via the website for much appreciated contributions.