A new 90 minute programme aimed at the African and Caribbean communities in Northampton begins on Saturday night (13 January).

The show on BBC Radio Northampton called "Inspiration" will be a mix of music - including reggae, soul, soca and R&B - and interviews with local people from across the county.

The show came about after former station manager John Ryan and Roots Co-ordinator* Kaylois Henry identified that BBC Radio Northampton lacked a specialist programme aimed at the African and Caribbean communities.

Rather than create a whole new show with presenters, they found Inspiration FM. They are a group of community broadcasters who have run a twice yearly RSL (Restricted Service Licence) for the last four years, and who have long standing contacts in the African and Caribbean communities.

Mark Dean, one of the founders of Inspiration FM, will present the new programme "Inspiration" from the studios at BBC Radio Northampton and the core of 10 people who have been working at Inspiration FM as a twice yearly RSL, will also work on the new hour and a half programme.

*Kaylois Henry is one of four Roots project co-ordinators based at BBC Radios Derby, Leicester, Northampton and Nottingham. BBC East Midlands joined forces with East Midlands Arts to launch the initiative which is thought to be the first project of its kind anywhere in the UK. The project - aimed at increasing access and promoting communication between East Midlands Arts, the BBC, African-Caribbean and Asian communities - researching cultural traditions and events and ensuring they are brought to wider, mainstream audiences via local radio and television.

Further Information: Sarah Boswell, Press & Publicity Officer, Local Programmes

0121 432 8392

BBC Pebble Mill - Issued 8 January 2001

Inspiration - 1930-2100 - Every Saturday - 103.6 & 104.2fm