CAN I BECOME A BROADCASTER? Yes you can! If you are one of the Section.36c categories (described in the General Information), we would like to hear from you. Just contact us during office hours to talk it over. We can help you choose your presenter/s and then assist you with as much training as you need to be able to present a listenable programme. So take the plunge and get your programme or message out to the Bay!
Our Section.36c programmes take priority but, in the interludes between these, we use either an automated computer playlist of music, or we make some slots available to volunteers to present their own community-orientated or music programmes (a charge will be negotiated depending on several key factors). If you are interested in being a volunteer, please contact us during office hours to register your name. Slots are limited, and there is a waiting list, but occasional vacancies do occur so it's always worthwhile putting your name down.
I'M SECTION.36c-ELIGIBLE. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? 8am - 10pm
per Hour - $45.00
per Half-Hour - $30.00
10pm - 8am
per Hour - $22.50
per Half-Hour - $15.00
These rates are extremely favourable compared with mainstream radio. But you don't necessarily have to pay the costs out of your own pocket; instead you can cover or offset your on-air costs by sponsorship or advertising. We can be of a certain amount of assistance, but we do rely on broadcasters themselves seeking out potential sponsor/s or advertiser/s for their show. A normal sponsorship package might comprise naming rights to the show, periodic mentions of sponsors during the show, and a show trailer (advertisement) played throughout the week, mentioning the show, the sponsor and the time.
Other ways of offsetting your costs might be: fundraising, donations, or applying for a community grant. We may be able to provide some advice with initiating this.
WHAT IF I'M NOT SECTION.36c-ELIGIBLE?
A rate will be negotiated with you. It will depend on whether your show fits within the definition of 'community radio', and whether you are a continuity-announcer playing music chosen by us, or are playing music of your choice and selected by you. See above for ways of covering the costs involved.
DOES MY PROGRAMME GO OUT LIVE?
Initially, we prefer to pre-record your programme ahead of time, and broadcast the recording later at the agreed time. We rarely allow 'new' people straight onto live-to-air broadcasting. Once you have proven that you are fully-trained, competent and confident, responsible and 'ready-to-go', we will consider any application by you to present your programme 'live'.
BROADCASTERS' SOCIETY
All broadcasters, regardless of whether they fit into the Section.36c category or not, are levied an annual subscription (currently $35) to the Radio Kidnappers Broadcasters' Society, payable in advance. The Broadcasters' Society usually meets several times a year, and all paid-up Broadcasters are welcome and encouraged to come along for a social get-together (light refreshments provided) and to voice ideas, comments and feedback about the station. The Society also holds an annual Christmas party which is always well-attended.
The annual subscription helps cover the costs of the above gatherings, as well as the 'AirSay' in-house newsletter and 'Kidnappers Kapers' bulletin which is posted out quarterly to all our clients (and broadcasters), and numerous other sundries provided for the benefit of broadcasters.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON CONTENT AND DURATION?
Your programme can be as long or as short as you want. (Programmes are charged in half-hour and hour periods, as detailed above).
Certain broadcasting standards must be respected, plus we expect common-sense judgment and good taste. We will give you a written guide to assist in this, and will also ask you to sign a standard agreement form. Aside from all that, your time is your own and the community airwaves await you!
I'M STILL AT SCHOOL. CAN I GET ON TO YOUR "YOUTH ZONE" PROGRAMME?
Yes, certainly! If you're a student, you can come in and make a programme playing your own music, and it will be broadcast in the weekly "Youth Zone" slot. Charges may be waived for this category of programme. You must still respect all the rules of tasteful and responsible/respectful presentation which apply to all broadcasters. Programmes not within accepted boundaries will not be broadcast.
I'VE HEARD THAT YOU TRAIN [YOUNG] PEOPLE FOR A CAREER IN BROADCASTING?
If you are intending on a career in the broadcasting industry (maybe thinking of heading to Radio Broadcasting School or similar), your time here can certainly give you a valuable grounding in radio basics. Having some on-the-job radio-station experience is a pre-requisite for entry into most of the tertiary training organisations. Depending on your school, you may be able to arrange time here in conjunction with your school course or unit standards. If this sounds like you, talk to us, or have your teacher or careers-adviser contact us.
I'M NOT A TECHNICAL PERSON. WILL I BE ABLE TO WORK THE EQUIPMENT?
It's easier than you might think! Obviously it helps if you've got a natural affinity with buttons and switches etc, but even non-technical people have found they can operate our panel without too much difficulty. Don't worry about it - we will give you full training and support and will help you to be both competent and confident with the equipment prior to your first programme. If preferred, we can make sure a panel-operator is on hand to guide and mentor you through your first few broadcasts. We can discuss this on a case-by-case basis.
SO HOW DO I ACTUALLY GET THE BALL ROLLING?
Plan what you'd like to do. Think: about the content, what you would include or exclude, whether you see the show as a mix of music and talk, interviews, pre-recorded content from another source, or a mix of all of these.
The next step is to meet with us to discuss your plan. While we don't dictate the content of your show, we do need to ensure that it "fits" within the Access framework and that we can accommodate it. Available slots can be scarce on certain days and at certain times, but we always do our best to find appropriate placing for shows which meet the aims of the station while also maximising the exposure of your show to its intended audience.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Don't hesitate to call and talk to one of the friendly team during business hours. Or send us an email or fax, or write to us. (For details, click the "Contact Us" tab).
