A new expat radio went live on Monday specifically for the 200,000 British expats in France but available online in the Algarve as well.
Expat Radio aims to provide music, news, sports, interviews and chat entirely in English. Listeners are encouraged to call or email their views.
Flying under the radar of French radio regulations, the internet is based at www.ex-patradio.fr which means it won’t have to have French language content.
Directing the operation is Dave Hailwood, 47, a former radio DJ from Manchester and currently residing in La Vendee in western France.
“People tune in to their favourite radio stations from the UK online, largely because of the banter and interaction they enjoy. I’m hoping to bring something new to the market – live discussion on everything from sport to property as well as up to date music - but make it relevant to expats in France and their unique situation,” said Mr Hailwood.
“We’re hoping to bring some humour to expats, with the focus firmly on living and enjoying the expat life. I’m hoping to involve listeners as much as possible. In this way, we’re hoping to create a real feeling of community between expats.”
The new station joins other English-language stations available on the internet.
Riviera Radio, based in Monaco, launched 30 years ago and is on 106.5FM for the south of France. It is also available worldwide through its website rivieraradio.mc.
Another internet site is Expats Radio (expatsradio.com) whose media director Peter Richards said: “Our programmes contain everything from cookery to light political discussion. We have editors worldwide who provide content, and listeners can tune in to the programmes that interest them, whenever they want.”
