A NEW Internet radio station has launched in Oxfordshire, vowing to give a voice to charities and community groups, as well as unsigned bands.

StudyVox FM is the brainchild of husband-and-wife Kevin and Sara Martin, of East Hendred, backed by Iain Rawlinson, a former merchant banker who is now chairman of Monarch Airlines.

The station's £30,000 studio in a converted farm building at East Hendred was officially launched by MP Ed Vaizey.

Mr Martin, 51, a former actor, said revenue would come from "the usual online sources” such as advertising, and from businesses who pay to have their own radio stations.

They will offer training to individuals, companies and community groups — “a radio station in a box”, said Mr Martin — and are applying for funding to host a radio show produced by disabled people, as well as for protected social networking for children.

Community radio has been a victim of public spending cuts and Mr Martin said they could offer a cost-effective alternative.

“We've decided to offer charities their own radio show at cost, and we will also give a platform to musicians. We will provide an outlet for anyone who wants their own radio station.”

He added: “We're moving beyound the two-dimensional confines of Facebook and Twitter. For the first time, StudyVox FM enables everyone to share live and fully interactive online radio, blending the online experience with phone-ins, text and email.”

They have enlisted 1,000 bands by word of mouth and social networking, and up to 100 songs are submitted each month to join the playlist.

On Wednesdays, musician Rick Overton and actor Rob Taylor-Hastings, pictured, present the RicknRob Showtime Extravaganza from 8pm — a combination of music and comedy.