A rival community radio station for Rutland is recruiting for staff but its organisers say they are not competing against the Rob Persani-backed operation.

As Nub News has previously reported, , this station featuring the former Rutland Radio presenter is is due to launch shortly.

Following commentary about Rutland Independent Radio on social media, Nub News contacted the company and here's what they told us.

"Who is behind Rutland Independent Radio?

"Rutland Independent Radio is a working group of like-minded local radio enthusiasts/volunteers from across the midlands.

"Our existing team, which already includes residents of Rutland, have previously set up and managed a small town, local radio service on a shoestring budget with the aim of filling the void where Global Radio and Bauer Media once served. Once again bringing local and relevant content to residents.

"We have existing members and letters of interest from a wide range of backgrounds that represent the local demographic, including former presenters from BBC Local Radio and Commercial Regional Stations through to those with no previous experience whatsoever, other than they live within and love Rutland.

"The decision to investigate the viability of a radio project in Rutland came about after one of our members (whom resides in Rutland) personally felt that at the time, existing third party projects had stalled somewhat and he thought that with our experience we could recreate the success of our existing project but tuned to the communities of Rutland, hence why we started our viability study.

"Given the limited information released on other projects, we wouldn't like to comment on, or draw comparisons to our own offer, we'd rather concentrate on what we do and how we do it. We have a local-centric formula that encourages and engages all community members to become involved. Our Community Radio model is often likened to a Hybrid of a BBC Local Station and a Regional Commercial station.

"This includes:

- Local, LIVE Presenters.

- Up to date Local, National and International News and Sports.

- Up to date Business/Showbiz News.

- Up to date Local Weather and Traffic News.

- A song from a local artist at the end of each hour.

- FREE 30 second shout outs for local Businesses, Groups, Events and Charities.

- Voucher Giveaways to support Local, Independent Businesses.

- In our magazine shows, we chat with local experts in business and other interests.

This is just a short list of how we do local, community-based Radio! ALL Legal and Licensed!

"If we decide to proceed with the project, we will begin life narrowcasting legally online as a proof of concept to allow sufficient time for training and fundraising, but don't let this put you off, one of our other community projects is online only and enjoys 7,000 unique listens a month! It's not about what you do, it's how you do it!

"Online is a strong foundation, Ofcom are not due to take any further applications for fulltime Community Radio FM licenses, Small-scale DAB is expensive and only really accessible if shared with multiple stations in the same licensing area, there are some Radio Professionals that argue 5G and the internet is the future of Radio. Whilst we would begin online, it is always an aspiration to broadcast on the more 'traditional' platforms.

"Our funding model would be based on private donations, grant applications and by selling show sponsorship to local companies.

"We feel that we must stress that we don't see any 'Us Versus Them' between the different projects, as with the American Model of broadcasting, many towns and counties have multiple stations catering for their requirements. In fact, in our opinion, the more stations serving an area the better, as this could mean shared costs of future platforms such as a DAB Multiplex. It is a 'Win Win' situation for the residents of Rutland as there are potentially three professionally-programmed 'Rutland Radio' projects currently underway, it really is exciting times for all Local Radio Listeners in Rutland!

"Applications and letters of interest are welcomed from would-be Presenters/Volunteers of varying skill and experience to assist in forming an holistic community radio team with strong Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity values, where experience and raw enthusiasm will complement each other and fully represent the communities that reside and work within the beautiful county of Rutland. [[email protected]]"