PCRL in the West Midlands (1986)

Cecil Morris -- the man behind the Peoples Community Radio Line (PCRL) in Birmingham known as Music Master  -- realised a few years ago there was a lack of media facilities for the black population.
As a musician himself (he was a drummer for Decca and Major Minor as well as others) he realised that records being made were not getting the air play that they deserved.
From this he set up business for a management agency for artists and the music industry. Here his doubts were confirmed by the lack of publicity and air play for his products.
 He then felt the black community must control its own destiny and input into the community as a whole.
 A campaign was started with BBC and Independent Radio to get more air time for not just black music but for other programs of interest such as 'awareness of our own culture'. During this campaign many obstacles were encountered.
 Due to a lack of belief in black people as a whole no credit was given to anything that we did. BRMB and Radio Birmingham were contacted but they were not forthcoming with any additional air play, so instead of hanging around and pleading we decided to get on our bikes and do it for ourselves. This is when Music Master created Radio Star. This was in 1979 and Radio Star continued under great pressure until 1983. At this time the only finance available was from Music Masters' Record

shop and his management agency. This business then went bust due to the great financial drain as a result of the huge finances required to run the station.
 After one year the situation was greatly frustrated as the communities were missing their own form of media.
 There were a lack of business opportunities for small businessmen and lack of publicity for up-and-coming artistes.
This frustration within the community was present and we were well aware of this and warned the authorities of possible consequences. This was before the riots.
Caters for All
Then Music Master formed PCRL and has never looked back. PCRL is rated the No. 1 station of the West Midlands, the first true black radio station which caters for all members of the community be they black, white or Asian, and our presenters reflect this.
  A recent survey by an independent body shows we were the most listened-to station in the West Midlands.
  Because of the embarassment to the legal stations, this report was not publicised. PCRL broadcasts on 103.5 FM 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
 It is professional and has 38 presenters. None of the presenters get wages; they may in cases get expenses.

  1. Training facilities for people interested in broadcasting.

  2. Religious services.
  3. Music Programmes.

  4. Disscussions on ways of improving employment.

  5. Health discussions
  6. Self help on various matters
  7.  Local news
  8. Arts and crafts.
  9. Cultural interests.
  10. Review of films.
  11. Books / Theatre / Poetry.
  12. What's on in entertainment.
  13. Fashion / Beauty / Care.
  14. Information on welfare and social attention on services for young and old.
  15. Further education and special attention to local talent in the arts; e.g. music, singing, drama and manufacturing.
  16. Asian programmes.

PCRL is now just waiting to be legalised as it has nearly 4 million listeners of all nationalities. In weeks to come we will be featuring the other 38 PCRL presenters.

Some things PCRL have achieved in the past 18 months are:
 The children's party for over 1200 children, free Xmas dinner and dance for senior citizens, days out for underpriviliged children; donations to various charity funds; youth club - under 18's disco with over 1,000 membership, and publicising charity events other stations have turned down. There are over 30 new singles in Birmingham, we give  these artists valuable airplay while they are ignored by other radio stations.Artists we have publicised are: Annette B,

Bonito Star, Michael Ellis, Pato Banton, Projection, Salem Foundation, Macka B, Jacko Rankin, Peter Culture, Aiysha, Bashara, Biby James, Studio 2 Band, Popman, plus many many more.
After 114 raids and over £100,000 worth of equipment being confiscated by theDepartment of Trade and Industry. We have made repeated applications to the Home Office for a community radio licence and havce been refused. PCRL is so successful we have the full backing of black and white churches who sees us as a good injfluence

on all members of the community.. Cecil Morris says PCRL must take this opportunity to thank our sponsers who have allowed the continuation of PCRL with their finaces for adverts. If there is anyone who is interested in advertising or sending us records for  promotion purposes, our headquarters is based at: 151 Dudly Rd, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B18 7QY. Tel. 454 9152. PCRL has now expanded into providing:-

Home: www.pcrlfm.co.uk