SOUTHAMPTON'S newest radio station is set to take to the airwaves at the beginning of September promising a dedicated service for the city.

Studios for SouthCity FM are now taking shape at the City Commerce Centre in the heart of Southampton and station director Clare Carson is looking forward to the launch.

Test transmissions on 107.8 FM have already started and the station is to be official-ly launched on September 5.

With a team of ten people SouthCity FM is set to be involved in all aspects of life in Southampton with an emphasis on local news, weather and information 24 hours a day.

The city's strong student presence is set to have its own voice with a dedicated programme produced by students each week and Clare says that the team behind the station is committed to its success.

"We carried out extensive research before being awarded the licence which revealed that people in Southampton are proud of their city but want to know more.''

Although centred on Southampton, SouthCity FM will broadcast as far afield as Hedge End and Fareham and through-out the Waterside area.

"Working towards launch has taken many months,'' said Clare. "It is incredible that the launch is now just days away.''

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