Absolutely true, but want to add that “since COVID” should be read not as “since the ‘end’ of COVID” but “since the beginning of COVID, a situation that is ongoing involving a still-dangerous virus that is now spreading more than ever.”
It’s a lot bigger of an ask for someone to leave the house and volunteer when this now means putting yourself at massive risk. Society agreed to just let a virus run rampant that causes serious long-term health consequences, with every infection raising your odds of developing Long COVID. And so many people HAVE Long COVID already and just aren’t admitting it even to themselves. I hear it all the time: “Actually, now you mention it, I have had (long-term serious symptoms) since I had COVID a year ago”
With something like radio, it involves being inside, in a space that isnt that well ventilated, in close proximity to other people, with nobody else masking and no air purifiers… Even if nobody’s saying it out loud, we’re all thinking it subconsciously. You take your life in your hands every time you share air now
I actually do want to get involved with community radio a lot, I’d love it but would have to weigh up the need to mask and not remove my mask, 100% of the time I’m inside whatever facility, with no support from the organisation, and the hostile responses from others that are often provoked when confronted with someone choosing not to live in denial
Community radio is less about the “I want to sell you something” cheerleading squad and more about the “Hey, here’s what’s happening on your street” announcer. These stations often operate on shoestring budgets, fuelled largely by passionate volunteers armed with a microphone, rather than fancy jingles paid for by big brands. The result? An intimate, localised experience where the personalities behind the mic might actually live down the street, share your love for the annual chili cook-off, or debate passionately whether the town’s possums have actually formed a union.
Predicted headline: 2NBC 90.1 in breach of community broadcasting license as white noise takes over station on FM and online, and the station’s listeners love the noise
Ah yes, this is nice, calming and relaxing to listen to! /satire-sarcasm
I like the sentiment of this article. The writing is a bit generic and it doesn’t tell me much, but who knows if this is just the writing style or if it was AI assisted
The author is Canadian, so I have been wondering if he’s written this about community radio (the licensing regime) or community radio (a programming strategy). Or maybe what he’s saying applies to both.
Community radio is a thing in Canada, but the authors company seems to work more with commercial outlets?
Omg youre totally right… I liked the sentiment and weasn’t paying attention enough to notice
“It is the eternal springtime of broadcasting—a never-ending burst of freshness, direct from the grassroots.”
God that’s made me really want to make sure I read things properly. I think it was just great to see someone standing up for community radio and I just glossed over it
Yes, the overly flowery prose and canned jokes give it away. One does have to be very careful these days, not that you should believe all that you read in any event.
96three announcers Leroy Brown and Aiden Grant are both departing the Geelong-based Christian community station following a recent restructure.
In a statement to Radio Today,96three CEO Kathy Campbell said *“96ThreeFM has recently commenced a strategic restructure in response to a significant decline in fundraising revenue over the last two financial years. After a second consecutive year of reduced income, the organisation has taken necessary steps to reduce costs and ensure long-term financial sustainability.”
“As part of this process, changes have been made across both the administrative and staffing budgets.”
“To maintain on-air operations, current staff were all offered the opportunity to apply for revised roles, some with reduced hours. While some have embraced these changes, others have made the decision to pursue alternative opportunities.”
“We are deeply grateful for the dedication and service of all our team members who have helped share the hope of Christ across our region and we remain committed to delivering uplifting, Christ-centred content to our listeners.”
Yes radio strikes again and after only a year at 96three I’ve been told that my role as Assistant Content Director & Drive Announcer is no longer needed.
Which means after 6.5 years all up(five and a half in Adelaide and one in Geelong) the Aiden In The Arvo show is no more. No more Snack Attacks, Songs That Changed You, Goooood Afternoons, Mum Chats or dad jokes. I’ve poured my life into this show and station, sharing everything each afternoon and this is real tough one to swallow. My family and I packed up our lives in Adelaide, gave up everything to move to Geelong to build a station up from the ground up and it’s really hard to not feel short changed after poor decisions from management have lead to the stations downfall and my family and I suffering the consequences.
I don’t know what’s next, but if you know of any magical jobs that involve radio, podcasting, music and building lego, I’m available!]
Which reminds me, Juice 107.3 has brought back Breakfast and Drive announcers. I assume Susie Holt is an employee, but Sam is a volunteer according to his partner. They had Susie and her husband Luke presenting their syndicated show at breakfast before it ended about a year ago. Great to see!
