View from Drivetime
IT LIVES !! Black Diamond FM is on air and as a bit of a ' veteran ' of the broadcasting world in Scotland with three full time gigs at three different stations under my belt before arriving here, can I say, and without the need to pay me 10 quid for saying it, this wee station out of '' Nittin' '' is rockin' !!
A major effort from the station's volunteers and community-minded individuals who wanted to see the concept of community radio alive in Midlothian pushed the station to the brink of launch between 2005 and May 2007. It simply needed a couple of '' auld heids '' from the pro broadcasting game to finally put a couple of things in place that would take the project over the finishing line and into working order.
Midlothian has a new bairn and a media facility to be proud of and as someting of a radio midwife, along with my Festival FM colleagues John Handelaar and John Ritchie, and the legend that is Steve Hamilton, [that'll be 20 quid Steve] :-) I hope those who have fought long and hard to develop Black Diamond can see that the addition of a couple of experienced broadcasters was indeed a master stroke by our Chairman John Ritchie.
Now we have built a team to be proud of and I am lovin' the Drivetime show. It's a chance for me to pass on radio/broadcasting techniques I learned from professionals at Radio Forth-owned stations in the 1990's, Scotland's first regional station [ Scot FM ] and Irish/Scots sports broadcaster Setanta.
It's a chance for me to give something back after a career that started professionally in 1990 after many years tyring to break into the only sort of work I ever wanted to do.... Broadcasting.
I have stories [like all long term players in the broadcasting game] of highs and lows but I am genuinely glad to have found a new home at Black Diamond. It is an exciting concept and I have to say we have the potential to be one of the gems [pardon the pun] of community broadcasting north of the border.
I am always open to advice and will give advice when asked. Ten days in [at time of writing] we have a fine station and I will give 100 per cent to make Drivetime work. I hope to meet new friends and learn more about broadcasting as we move into the digital age.
To the listeners I'd say stick with us, give us time to find our feet and support us if you can. It truly is YOUR station so be positive and we'll try to deliver a station that will make the locals proud.
You can contact me anytime on studio@blackdiamondfm.com Mon to Fri 4-7pm. I look forward to your requests, news and views.
Alex Horsburgh.
Drivetime is brilliant! So
Drivetime is brilliant!
So definately tune in!!
Danielle
Thanks to everyone who has
Thanks to everyone who has sent in their community info to the show. While I played the tunes on Thursday 31st May Chris Mackrell sat over a hot computer getting our logo up on the site and improving the site generally so a big shout out to C M and thanx for that.
The logo was designed by John Handelaar and is a groovy wee bit of marketing even if I say so myself !
We are always looking for listener suggestions for our Caledonian Classics slot at 4.30pm on Drivetime. Three big Scottish hits back to back. Today [Thursday] it was Aztec Camera [Somewhere in my heart], Waterboys [Whole of the moon] and Jim Diamond doing his best Barbara Streisand impersonation with that 1980's classic '' I should have known better '' I would suggest listening to that song again if you haven't heard it for years. It really is one man in Diva Babs mode and he would do Stars in their eyes proud. Where is Jim Diamond now we wonder ?
We complete a whole two weeks of Drivetime on air live tomorrow [Friday June 1] and it's an early start for me tomorrow at 3pm because Geoff Ruderham has to go to the opening of his wallet [sorry Geoff, old joke we know].
Further thanx to Steve Hamilton for the soup [made it himself] and Bob MacDonald for the traffic report from Dalkeith, lots of roadworks out there the noo. Thunder and lightning in these parts on Thursday and a power surge at BDFM at around 4.40pm as the big man upstairs moved his furniture around. We live to broadcast another day.
Stay tuned to Drivetime Monday to Friday.
Alex Horsburgh
June is busting out all over
June is busting out all over !!
.....but enough of that lady I saw on Princes Street today. Chilling here in the capital on the 1st day of June just before the run out to '' Nittin' '' and a four hour show today [looks like the summer is back after a couple of days of rain in Central Scotland]. Further thanks to Steve Hamilton for the soup and it is so nice to be regular again. The studio at 7pm tonight ? I'd leave it 5 minutes if I was you :-)
Big wins in football for Newtongrange Star and Bonnyrigg Rose this week but the game we all have a squeaky bum about is the one in the Faroe Islands on Saturday. Scotland love to muck it up against so called '' inferior '' football opposition [see Iran, Costa Rica, Faroes, Malta etc] but surely we'll get another 3 points on the road to the Euro 2008 finals in that footie outpost beyond the Shetlands.
Big shout out [as the young people say] to Steven and Danielle and Colin and John R who have been loading tracks onto our system so we will have a wider selection of music to play.
We did a great mix on Drivetime yesterday from Amy Winehouse to Razorlight, from Disco floor fillers to Scottish rock hits by the Blue Nile and Texas from REM to classic Beatles which only proves BDFM is giving the big boyz a run for their money with our music choice.
Small [in a radio sense] can be beautiful and I am always looking for music suggestions between 4 and 7pm on studio@blackdiamondfm.com
Leave out the Thrash Metal and Bonkers dance anthems however, we are going more populist than niche although THE WHAT'S NEW TEAM after 7pm on Wednesday and Thursday will keep the specialist music types happy.
Let me know what you are up to during our Drivetime sequence, tell us about yourself and where you listen to Black Diamond FM, your input is required.
I've been featuring some classic Police this week to celebrate the start of the 30th Anniversary tour. Still taking donations for the trip to Paris to see them. I think I'd prefer to go there than one of the cities down South. Why no Murrayfield gig by the Polis by the way ?
Thanks for your support so far.... I will continue to wear it.
Alex Horsburgh.
PS
Don't forget.... if you are visiting the capital soon. Blondie and Bryan Adams are coming to Edinburgh.
alex, that was an awful joke
alex, that was an awful joke u made at the begining of that post.. hahaha.
thanks for my shout out tho!
could you play me some deacon blue tonight please? legends!
Dani
I think I may have seen
I think I may have seen June?
The Weekend Starts
The Weekend Starts Here.................
.............A chance to catch up with Big Brother [Sister] but as we've seen it all before it is very much a case of ''Am I b o v v e r e d ? '' [ as Catherine Tate might say]. Got to say our sustaining service is cranking out some great tunes. Until we get settled here with the live stuff from our '' Nittin ' '' studios tune into the back to back hits. Another great product from the house of Handelaar.
I'll return Monday with more from Drivetime so have a good weekend. I have been so out of the loop this week with all the BDFM business I think I might have called that Faroes v Scotland game wrong, looks like we may have to wait a couple of days longer to see if we can finally beat a team that we should beat easily on paper [unfortunately we are not playing on paper].
A wee one hit wonder on Friday's show from Paul Cole and her critique of lazy men and general slobs '' Where have all the Cowboy's gone ? '' [hopefully not to the Faroes in dark blue shirts] containing the classic line '' I will wash the dishes while you go have a beer ''
Well, yer stuck at the sink again Paula 'cos that is what I am off to do right now.
My theme song this week should have been The Beatles '' 8 Days a week '' although our Chairman might be pitching for the song by Kate Bush ''Running up that hill'' as he continues to work on financial matters.
If you are a business or company interested in sponsoring shows or advertising on Black Diamond FM contact admin@blackdiamondfm.com
Back in the chair Monday- check out the faces behind the voices elsewhere on the website. Hopefully I won't scare the Dug.
Later dudes.
Alex Horsburgh.
JUST ANOTHER MANIC
JUST ANOTHER MANIC MONDAY
Back to the coal face and Week 3 of BDFM starts here. Chris and Graeme are here today answering the phones and doing lots of other things too which are essential to the continued survival of Black Diamond.
Newtongrange Gala is on this week so remember and get your Gala programme priced just £1.50. I was reading that the Faroes only lost 2-1 to Italy at the weekend so, yes, I am still worried about our trip away up there for our Euro 2008 Qualifier on Wednesday.
Memo to new SFA supremo George Peat, hands aff FLOWER OF SCOTLAND as our anthem. Not everyone is embarrassed by it, speak for yerself !!
As this is a huge Junior football area let me tell you also Linlithgow Rose won the SCOTTISH JUNIOR CUP FINAL at Dunfermline Athletic's East End Park yesterday [Sunday] beating Kelty Hearts 2-1 after extra time.
Watch out for our outstanding BDFM posters which will be in all local libraries soon [and they will be laminated]. I do like a good laminate I must admit.
Keith Jack makes the last 3 of ANY DREAM WILL DO on BBC 1 but beware of the greetin' faced girly-man that is that ex-male model with the blonde hair who is in the final with our favourite Joseph.
I still think it will be between OOR KEITH and the very good English guy with the floppy black curly hair for the big coat of many colours but I have a feeling Andrew Lloyd Phantom of the Opera thinks Greetin' faced girly-man with blonde hair has the look for the part. Keith has been singing his heart out and hopefully Denise Van Cracker and John [get a Scots accent] Barrowman will continue to support him.
On the air 4-7pm today so get your dedications in on the phone or studio@blackdiamondfm.com
Gentlemen [and ladies] start your engines.
Alex Horsburgh.
BB ? NOT !
BB ? NOT ! OK.......
.........Ach !! can't get into this series of Big Brother. Ziggy Starpus in with all '' da ladies '' [and Charley] is not a patch on the halcyon days of Nasty Nick being booted out, the late night bust up featuring the immortal line from Scot Jason Cowan '' he was tauntin' me !! '' and even MAD as a trumpet Nikki last series demanding more attention than Paris Hilton in a federal correction centre.
As BB narrator Marcus [Geordie] Bentley might say.... '' Day 16 in the Black Diamond house..... ''
At least it will be when I get out there, the usual morning roll and a cuppa in central Edinburgh before the journey oot to '' Nittin ' '' and ofcourse the net has to be surfed and e-mails checked.
Thanks to Pete Doris at web channel www.nexuslive.com for sending me the BLOCKHEADS clips. We were all out at the Liquid rooms, Edinburgh last September watching the late Ian Dury's band still pumping oot the hits. The gig [or part of it] is now up on the nexus site and yours truly got the chance to introduce them. I may well stick the link up here on the blog tomorrow so you can see one of the groundbreaking bands of the late 1970's and early 1980's direct from the BDFM site. Stay tuned.
Congrats to Bonnyrigg Rose for another big cup win on the weekend and good luck to Scotland in the Faroes Wednesday as we chase more Euro 2008 qualifying points. What about that London 2012 Olympic Logo eh ?
It is based on an urban '' Tag '' but it is more a peace of rubbish than peace out !!
Speak to y'all at 4pm.
studio@blackdiamondfm.com for all your info and dedications.
Alex has left the diary roooom.
Alex Horsburgh.
PS-Try this link if you are abroad and you want to see the Scotland game in the Faroes.
www.internetfootball.co.uk
KEITH'S DAD IN THE HOOSE
KEITH'S DAD IN THE HOOSE
We took a call at the station at 3pm today from an excited would-be listener '' how do I get Black Diamond FM on my radio ? ''
After we informed the gentlemen it was on 107.8 FM he told me he was Keith Jack's Dad, George, and he was very pleased we were supporting Keith on the station, '' I've heard you have given him lots of mentions. ''
We have indeed, so as I write this George is on his way to the station with Keith's CD of trax made recently.
Glad you are tuned in now Mr Jack and we continue to hope Keith can triumph on ANY DREAM WILL DO over the curly haired English Joseph, who seems to be Keith's main rival, and the greetin' faced Lewis [it's just a joke Lewis] :-) in the final on BBC 1.
Midlothian and the whole of Scotland wants Keith Jack to win the final. GO KEITH !!
KEITH'S MUM'S IN
KEITH'S MUM'S IN
.........................Keith Jack's mum was in between 6.15 and 6.40 pm Wednesday on the show to have a chat about Keith's chances on Saturday on ANY DREAM WILL DO and so was his sister Lesley.
We will continue to feature Keith's CD up to Saturday on the station so once again VOTE VOTE VOTE Keith Jack.
Scotland won in the Faroes 2-0 [Maloney and O'Connor] but France and Italy are starting to come good at the top of our Euro 2008 qualifying group so there is no margin for error now if we hope to be at our first major football finals since France 1998 [World Cup].
However, did you know ? [said in Statto-anorak voice] no Scotland player has netted a hat-trick in a match since Midlothian born ex-Rangers and Hibs star COLIN STEIN scored three against Cyprus in 1969 at Hampden [we won 8-0 and that winning Scotland scoreline has not been equalled since 1969 either].
If you have local sports news for the Drivetime sports desk at 5.30pm studio@blackdiamondfm.com
An early start at 3pm today because Geoff once again has to go and meet a £5 note he hasn't seen since 1996.
These are the jokes folks-deal with it !! :-) ['' groan '', everyone else at BDFM]
Alex Horsburgh.
PS-4pm start after all I am told, 3pm Friday, oh well back to the net.
tgif ........................
tgif
........................ Friday again and we are getting ready for the NEWTONGRANGE GALA on Saturday. Flyers have been made, the balloon launch is iminent and the BDFM gang will be there to add our presence to proceedings.
The GALA PROGRAMME is still available at just £1.50 and check out their website www.newtongrangegala.com
The programme also contains a great wee ad for BDFM so thanks to John Turnbull once again.
Looking for your list of your 3 greatest albums of all time. Someone asked me in the pub the other night to name mine so here goes.
1. BREAKFAST IN AMERICA-Supertramp
The thinking man's rockers came up with this unexpected hit in 1979 when Punk and New Wave was the order of the day. It produced the hit THE LOGICAL SONG, one of my faves, might play it today infact.
2. REGGATTA DE BLANC- The Police
The other big album of 1979 and the breakthrough album for the band now enjoying their 30th ANNIVERSARY TOUR. Walking on the Moon and Message in a bottle are two of the big hits on their best LP. Soon after hearing this LP The Polis were confirmed as my fave band of all time.
3. Solitude Standing-Suzanne Vega and Eliminator- ZZ Top
Joint third- The former performing arts school pupil who is still doing the rounds and will perform in Edinburgh's QUEEN'S HALL soon and the beardy rockers. ZZ Top were a trio and the only one without a beard was FRANK BEARD the drummer- one for all statmeisters to bore their friends with there [sorry,that should read friend,singular].
Luka is the single you'll probably know best from S.Vega and these two albums are essential purchases if you missed the 1980's and thought it was all New Romantics and Mobile Phones the size of house bricks !!
Let me know YOUR TOP 3 ALBUMS here or at studio@blackdiamondfm.com
WOW !! is that the time ? On air in less than 10 mins.
Alex Horsburgh
LIVE FROM NITTEN
LIVE FROM NITTEN GALA....................................
As I write this we are live at Newtongrange Gala on a beautiful day. The BDFM stand is looking great and the balloon launch is coming soon. If you are in the area come round and see us, see the faces behind the voices. Aye, we'll scare the Bairns !! :-) [only joking]
PARKLIFE.....................
PARKLIFE...........................................................
...................... IT WAS A GREAT DAY AT THE NITTEN GALA on Saturday as Black Diamond's stand took pride of place at the park complete with banner showing our logo. A balloon launch, a live show from the studio beamed across the park and the BDFM crew meeting and greeting the public, we made our presence felt. Pictures from the day coming soon and a video clip too.
Thanks to everyone who helped on Saturday afternoon and it was great to see that the concept of the traditional Gala is still alive and well in Midlothian. Colin '' Microvision'' Potter is technic-maestro and the BDFM version of Smiley Miley [that's the guy who set up all the Radio 1 roadshows for those born after 1985]. Colin's expertise helping us build and set up the technical equipment was a definite extra so thanks again Colin !
Thanks to David Hamilton MP for stopping to talk to us as well and all the people who gave us kind words
Sorry alex!!! tried to do
Sorry alex!!!
tried to do the photos but for some reaosn it wont let me use the HTML thingy!!
PICS Disco Dani was talking
PICS
Disco Dani was talking about the Nitten Gala pics there by the way.
Stay tuned to Drivetime. 3-7pm for the rest of the week. EVEN MORE great tunes
KEITH IN THE HOUSE
KEITH IN THE HOUSE
He's been a busy boy since coming back from the final of ANY DREAM WILL DO but Keith Jack and his Dad visited BDFM yesterday
[Thursday] at round 4.30 pm and we finally got Midlothian's finest TV star on the air between 4.45 and 5.15 pm for a chat along with
trax from a recently produced Keith Jack Album.
Our e-mail response after Keith visited was great with best wishes from Penicuik, Roslin, Rosewell, Dalkeith and Edinburgh.
The lad has a big future so we are lucky to get him before his career goes above the clouds and he really is too busy to visit us.
Keith's on his way back to London soon to plan the next stage of his career so we wish him all the best and thanks for visiting Keith.
buckfast??????????? Is there
buckfast???????????
Is there any chance you could play something bright and cheerfull tomorrow as it is gorebridge gala and this year like every year it will be chucking it down (something from King or Queen )would be apropiate as it is there big day.
cheers
I will be doing a gala show
I will be doing a gala show tomorow, will play a song for you!
Anything specific then e-mail studio@blackdiamondfm.com or call me 01316634488 tommorow.
WELL DONE TO BRIAN
WELL DONE TO BRIAN
Well done to Brian Robertson of Dalkeith who won our limited edition Black Diamond Golf
Balls on Drivetime today with the answer CRICKET to the question '' what other sport did
former Scotland goalie ANDY GORAM excell at ? ''
Brian came into the station to pick up his prize. Personally I stick with what the great BILL
SHANKLY said '' GOLF ? Waste of a good walk !! ''
That's me off Tarby, Brucie's and Colin McCall's Christmas card list !
Weekend chill, back on Monday, going to see an Art movie in Edinburgh Saturday....
OK I admit it.........
Going to see THE FANTASTIC FOUR rise of the Silver Surfer.
FLAME ON !!
The Eckster.
WIN BLONDIE TICKETS
WIN BLONDIE TICKETS
BLONDIE are coming to Edinburgh Castle on July 13th and you'll have a chance to win two tickets for the concert each day
from Monday 2nd to Friday 6th July on Drivetime.
Spread the word.
WOULD YOUR BUSINESS LIKE TO
WOULD YOUR BUSINESS LIKE TO SPONSOR DRIVETIME ?
Although Black Diamond FM provides a link with the community and is a great module
to allow local people to learn more about the world of radio broadcasting we are also
looking for businesses to get involved via programme sponsorship. This is an essential
tie-in with the business community in Midlothian and South Edinburgh as, like money,
a radio programme does not grow on trees and we are trying to keep the standard
high, especially during our core broadcast day Monday to Friday from 7 am until 7pm.
If you are a local business who would like to be connected to Midlothian's Drivetime
programme and a potential audience of 100,000 please do not hesitate to contact me
Alex Horsburgh for an introduction. We have the staff here at Black Diamond who can
show you how programme sponsorship can work for you and your business at a very
competitive rate. We can even '' Demo '' a show for you and let you hear how the show
would sound if your business was connected with Drivetime.
If this is something that appeals to you please contact me personally at this e-
mail address alexhorsburgh@yahoo.co.uk and I can introduce you to the world
of BLACK DIAMOND FM and its support team.
Local businesses get on board and support your community radio station.
The Keith of SPAIN
The Keith of SPAIN
Last night's EVENING NEWS carried a piece about KEITH JACK flying to the home of great
football and great accents to entertain the King of Spain. Our favourite Midlothian son is
'' Gobsmacked '' at the invitation but it only goes to show the fame of our local runner-up
on ANY DREAM WILL DO is spreading. This comes in the same week as winner Lee failed
to make number 1 with the single from Joseph. No gloating here at BDFM but we continue
to say '' The boy done good '' so enjoy the trip to Espana Keith.
Our Drivetime winner from Loanhead on Monday will be going to see the Spirit of the horse
event [check the site for details] so enjoy !!
Remember from 2nd-6th July there are Blondie tickets up for grabs on Drivetime for their
Edinburgh Castle concert on July 13th.
Our CALEDONIAN CLASSICS at 4.30pm on the show for the next couple of weeks will
feature acts bound for this year's T IN THE PARK event so get a taste of what is to come
before the big weekend out at BALADO on 6th to 8th July.
Nice to know this part of the site is taking lots of hits which only proves blogging is the
future so feel free to ask any questions about the show or the music or Midlothian life
in general here on the VIEW FROM DRIVETIME.
Remember also I am still looking for your 3 greatest albums of all time here and if you want
to suggest a song for the show or get yourself a dedication it's studio@blackdiamondfm.com
Monday to Friday between 4 and 7pm.
At time of writing we are six weeks into the life of Black Diamond FM so stay tuned for more
developments.
Alex Horsburgh.
NATURE CALLS
NATURE CALLS
Black Diamond FM is looking for a Midlothian nature correspondent who can talk about the local enviroment on a monthly
basis. If you are a local Bill Oddie, Terry Nutkins or John Craven get in touch with admin@blackdiamondfm.com and
you may end up clueing our listeners in on everything from bird life to what to look for outdoors now summer is here.
BLONDIE TICKETS
BLONDIE TICKETS
ALL THIS WEEK on Drivetime we are giving away Blondie Tickets for their Edinburgh Castle gig on 13th July. Katrina
McDonald was our Monday winner in Penicuik and the answer was HEART OF GLASS, that was Blondie's first US No.1
single. Two tickets up for grabs every day this week Monday to Friday...........
Tuesday's question- How many band members are in Blondie currently ?
Wednesday's question- What was Blondie's first UK Top 10 single called ?
Thursday's question- Complete the title of this Blondie album Parallel ..... ?
Friday's question- What is the name of Blondie's drummer ?
Call us on 0131 663 4811 every day this week Mon to Fri [2nd to 6th July] after 4.30pm with your answer.
or e-mail studio@blackdiamondfm.com
BLONDIE TICKETS- 2 MORE
BLONDIE TICKETS- 2 MORE CHANCES
Tuesday's winner was Callum Reid in Stow and Wednesday's winner was Kenny S in Musselburgh
There are six members in Blondie and their first TOP TEN HIT in the UK was Denis.
Thursday's question- Complete this Blondie album title- Parallel ..... ?
Friday's question- Name Blondie's drummer.
WIN TWO TICKETS THIS THURSDAY AND FRIDAY FOR BLONDIE'S EDINBURGH CASTLE GIG ON 13TH JULY. Call after 4.30 pm / before 6.30pm on 0131 663 4811
BLONDIE TICKETS
BLONDIE TICKETS
LAST CHANCE FOR TICKETS
PARALLEL LINES was the answer to Thursday's Blondie question so well done to Russell Aitken in Bonnyrigg
who was Thursday's winner of two Blondie tickets for their Edinburgh Castle gig.
IT'S YOUR LAST CHANCE TODAY AFTER 4pm to win two tickets for the 13th July Blondie gig.
FRIDAY'S QUESTION- NAME THE BLONDIE DRUMMER
Thanks to the tech skills of Oor Geoff aka Mr Ruderham we now have a light that flashes in the studio when
a call comes in so now you can get directly through to the on-air presenter for competitions and dedications on
0131 663 4488. THAT'S THE NUMBER TO CALL FOR TODAY'S BLONDIE COMPETITION.
YOU CAN ALSO E-MAIL STUDIO@BLACKDIAMONDFM.COM
If you are heading out to T IN THE PARK at Balado get in touch on those contact points too and we'll give you a
mention.
MARGARET IS FINAL WINNER
MARGARET IS FINAL WINNER
Margaret Wood in Newtongrange was our final BLONDIE winner after she told us Blondie's drummer was Clem Burke.
Great feedback from the public today so thanks to all who entered the Blondie comp.
If you are heading for T IN THE PARK enjoy it. Friday highlights on BBC 1 at 11.35pm
Off for the weekend now so catch you for another week of DRIVETIME from Monday at 4pm.
COMING SOON 8-9pm LIVE
COMING SOON 8-9pm LIVE
Black Diamond FM is already broadcasting LIVE 7-8 pm some weeknights but very soon we will be adding more locals to
our schedule.
Our RAW RECRUITS are Keith Manson, Lee Live and Mark McCafferty and these guys will be trying their hand at this
radio thing within a few weeks and I think you'll find they'll add some stuff and music to our output we do not already
have.
Steven Miller and Danielle Rowley have done a sterling job of sorting out Monday to Thursday 7-8pm and the kids will
be further united soon when their own DJ Bob joins the 7-8 pm line-up.
You might see these guys from 7-8 and 8-9 also featuring on our weekend schedule one day but first of all they are
going to find their feet weeknights so give them your support.
Sheila Findlay and Caroline Milligan will obviously continue with FIRST THURSDAY so continued thanks to the girls for
their input to BDFM.
Stay tuned for further developments.
THIRD THURSDAY
THIRD THURSDAY
CAROLINE MILLIGAN AND SHEILA FINDLAY will be doing THIRD THURSDAY FROM 16th AUG 8-9 PM so now you can get a
great mix of local content from the girls twice a month.
WE HOPE THEY WILL BUILD ON THEIR INPUT TO BDFM and we can see them in place once a week soon.
Debbie White will be continuing to do local community news desks during the week at 6.30 on DRIVETIME so the
show really does have local people with local input now.
I decided to build in the COMMUNITY NEWS DESKS to the show at 6.30 so people could catch up with things they may
have missed during our broadcasting day and I know some of the other guys have latched onto the idea of news desks
for community info so you can never say our presenters do not pay attention !
Without sounding like a major '' sook '' I would like to say continued thanks to Steve Hamilton on behalf of BDFM
for his input to the station. Steve has played in the Premier League of radio but is helping still with tips which can only
assist the new team on the radio pitch in Scotland.
We are still working in co-operative mode and I too am happy to assist any of the players at BDFM as I have also played
in this radio game for more years than I care to remember. Infact when I started Clydebank were still in the Scottish
League !
We continue to try and iron out the rough spots so we can bring a great radio service to our listeners.
STICK WITH US on 107.8 FM
NEW FROM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 3
NEW FROM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 3
Our RAW RECRUITS will hit the airwaves with their new shows from 8-9pm on BDFM from week starting 3rd September.
Monday 8-9 pm- Keith Manson's Alternative show.
The spirit of John Peel lives on with Keith, the local boy made good, no Take That on this show.
Tuesday 8-9 pm- Lee Live's Tuesday night top-up.
He's a singer, he's a mobile DJ and now he is making you feel good even before the weekend starts.
Wednesday 8-9 pm- Jim Ritchie '' Gie it Laldy ''
Celtic Hits and Traditional Scottish tracks from our tartan lad.
Thursday 8-9pm - Caroline Milligan and Sheila Findlay with First and Third Thursday.
Local history, news and music with the girls who really know Midlothian and hopefully a weekly show to come from
da ladies !!
Friday 8-9 pm- Classic Rock with Mark '' MAD DAN '' McCafferty
60 minutes of Rockin' stuff with the Midlothian answer to Tommy Vance, Ozzy promises to tune in when we start streaming.
7-8 pm Monday to Friday THE KIDS ARE UNITED on What's New. DANIELLE, STEVEN AND BIG BOB and
TWO MORE ADDITIONS to come for the 7-8pm posse. Who needs XFM 7-8pm when you have these guys !
BLONDIE IN THE RAIN I
BLONDIE IN THE RAIN
I met some of our competition winners at Blondie's EDINBURGH CASTLE gig on Friday night [July 13th] and despite the rain
it was a great night as Debbie and the boys played hit after hit.
Rapture, One way or another, Sunday Girl, Maria, Call me- all the big ones were there and it was 10 out of 10 for
BLONDIE from a very appreciative Edinburgh crowd.
On the road home ?
On the road home ?
If you are on the road anytime between 4 and 7pm Monday to Friday please help
Black Diamond Drivetime to help everyone else. If you see any road disruptions you
think we should know about stop off for a second and call us direct in the BDFM studio
0131 663 4488. You can also call that number with song suggestions so we can turn
your vehicle into a jukebox on wheels. Stay tuned to Black Diamond for the best
Drivetime trax.
The community news desk is at 6.30pm and we update you on the travel situation 4.45,
5.15,5.45 and 6.15 pm. Sports news at 5.30pm with national news at 4,5,6 and 7pm.
Drivetime remains your essential aid if you are on the road home or just getting the tea
on weekdays between 4 and 7pm.
BACK THIS TUESDAY
BACK THIS TUESDAY
I will return from my break on 31st July and already feeling refreshed after a couple of days away from the coal face. Did the Fife to
Portobello Hovercaft crossing [15 mins] and I think if they get it up and running full time it will be a great alternative to the train
and the car. The Forth Rail Bridge has been closed this week so it is a nightmare journey into the capital from Fife if you are a rail
commuter. Diversions via Stirling or Dalgety Bay and then back on the train at Dalmeny after switching to a bus for the Forth
crossing via the Road Bridge.
Deciding today whether it will be a Hibs or Hearts pre-season friendly I go to. On a promise of a free ticket for Murrayfield but as I'm
hitting the pub with mates in Leith later it might be easier to go to Easter Road. Hearts play Barcelona and Hibs play Middlesbrough.
The main thing is to enjoy the break and the football [by the way.... I have no capital club preference and am strictly neutral].
That opening day Derby in the SPL should be a cracker. The Edinburgh crunch match is vastly under rated by the media.
Also saw the worst film of the year on my break. What were they thinking when they made TRANSFORMERS !?
Keep supporting Steven and Danielle as they fill in for me and catch you on air again from Tue 31st July.
FESTIVAL TIME
FESTIVAL TIME
Dividing my time between the Festival and Black Diamond for the next 3 weeks.
Stay tuned to 107.8 FM and online at Black Diamond FM.com for more info on Festival link-ups.
The Drivetime Blog Has Moved
The Drivetime Blog Has Moved To http://www.blackdiamondfm.com/blog/8