A new radio station in Swindon will be broadcast from the Town’s highest building.

Funky Corner Radio starts broadcasting 24/7, commercial-free soul and disco on DAB on May 19 from the David Murray John Tower.

Originally an Italian station, Jonathan Sheldrake had the idea to bring the channel to Swindon while working in Milan and noticing a gap in Swindon’s market.

Jonathan said there’s been great reception: “People do listen to radio, particularly when they're driving around. 

“It's something different and it's providing a need that isn't there. And the fact that we're doing it ad-free as well. Now the people who enjoy the music can listen to the music.”

He has been publicising the station at the local pubs, but says that most people have found the station by accident in their cars.

The idea came to Jonathan working in Italy. He thought: “A lot of people are into this kind of music here there's absolutely nothing serving it apart from a national station that plays stuff over and over again. 

“Why this was different is it doesn't play the same stuff over and over again.”

He says a lot of “unusual stuff” is played, not just the hits, with a special show from Clive Brady who is “very well known, and extremely good”.

Currently, the Swindon station is broadcasting largely the same schedule as the Italian station, but Jonathan wants to introduce more local content.

He said: “I have tried to localise things by talking to the Italians, making some jingles that are Swindon-based. Also by providing a number so people can contact us.

“In time, the local content is going to go up.”

Once the station starts pulling more revenue with more listeners, he aims to bring in more local DJs.

“We’re starting slow, almost on a shoestring”, admitted Jonathan.

Currently, Jonathan is happy just to be broadcasting.

He said: “My dream has been fulfilled in a way. It actually started. We are transmitting and listening and liking music.”

The station plays music from the 70s and 80s, reaching Marlborough, Royal Wootton Bassett, Cricklade and Highworth.

The manager of the Italian station, Paolo Lauri, said: “We know there is demand for something different in Swindon, a town known for its Innovation and love of soul music. 

“We are hoping the traditionally more conservative people of Marlborough will tune in as we are broadcasting there too.”

To listen to the station, Jonathan recommends you retune your DAB radio using the scan feature.