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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Will Pritchard

‘It feels harder than ever’: independent radio stations under threat from rising bills

Gilles Peterson DJing at Worldwide FM.
‘These things do start off as passion projects, because of a need in your cultural space and your community,’ … Gilles Peterson DJing at Worldwide FM. Photograph: Worldwide FM

Gilles Peterson got his first broadcast gig aged 16 at Radio Invicta, the pirate station that boasted it put “soul over London”. He got his own slot a year later, and has spent the ensuing four decades channelling his inquisitive musical spirit into shows with Kiss FM and the BBC, as well as his Brownswood record label, and festivals in the UK, France and Italy. But for the past six years, a freeform online radio station, Worldwide FM (WWFM), has been at the forefront of his efforts, providing shape and sound to a global community of music enthusiasts.

This week, WWFM announced it would be ceasing new broadcasts from the end of October while it seeks new funding options.

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