Community radio launches outside broadcasts
A Hervey Bay community radio station is celebrating 25 years of being on-air with its first outside broadcast, thanks to a Federal Government grant.
Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated Fraser Coast Community Radio which received $6,000 under round three of the Stronger Communities Program.
“The purchase of new equipment means Fraser Coast FM can broadcast live from a wide variety of community events and festivals,” Mr Pitt said.
“The outside broadcast capability can also be utilised by emergency services in times of need.
“The Stronger Communities Program has been very successful for community groups and organisations like Fraser Coast Community Radio that would otherwise struggle to fund these types of projects,” Mr Pitt said.
Fraser Coast Community Radio president Cesare Callioni said a key outcome of community radio was to engage with the community to provide local information and news, specialist programs not catered for by commercial radio and much more. Community radio benefits the community in many ways, including reducing social isolation and loneliness.
“Being able to bring these events into listeners homes will help them feel more engaged with the community,” Mr Callioni said.
Fraser Coast FM broadcasts to more than 70,000 residents in Hervey Bay, Maryborough and surrounding towns, and also has a streaming service.
“We host an on-air messages and interviews for over 80 community organisations with up to 56 community messages broadcast each day.
“Fraser Coast FM has been involved in many important events in the community over the past 25 years and plans to be around for many years to come,” Mr Callioni said.
Expressions of interest for round 4 of the Stronger Communities program are open now. You can download a copy of the expression of interest form here: https://keithpitt.com.au/guides-publications
Expressions of interest must be received by the Hinkler electorate office by 5pm on September 3, 2018 and can be emailed to: keith.pitt.mp@aph.gov.au.