Premier Zille opens revamped radio station

Helen Zille

The 17-year-old station needed a complete renovation of the studios, situated in the foyer of Artscape. The building of the new studios was funded by the Provincial government as part of the Artscape upgrade with a generous donation from Lottery, thus not depleting the membership fees and advertising revenue, which keeps the station afloat. The result is a modern new studio with state of the art equipment, light bright studios and a very funky new image.

"It is no contradiction when the province invests in such projects as the Artscape upgrade of which FMR is a part. FMR fulfils an important role by contributing to a vibrant arts and culture community and broadcasting to a wide variety of listeners. Nurturing arts and culture encourages the growth of the City by attracting people to live here, bringing tourists and investments and ultimately job opportunities thus improving the economy," said Zille.

She then unveiled the commemorative plaque, which will be displayed in the studios and cut the birthday cake celebrating 17 years of broadcasting.

Ready for business

Station manager Victoria Cawood is delighted the construction work is completed. "Working as we did for many months with drills, dust and hammering in the background during the remodelling was a challenge. Presenters and staff gallantly rose to the challenge stepping over rubble, ducked under ladders and removed dust sheets to ensure they could present their programme. We are all pleased that the construction has been completed and we are settling into the new studios. "

FMR provides its community with a combination of fine classical music and jazz interspersed with news and entertainment features that have proved to be an ongoing success. It adds an educational slant, which provides a training ground for those interested in a career in broadcasting and its associated skills.

The service is dependent on its volunteers who broadcast for the love of the station and the programmes they host. This has not detracted from the professionalism of the presenters who benefit from an engaged and active station management and a program of ongoing training of all staff both volunteer and paid.

As a community station with no support from the national fiscus, funds are always an issue but innovative projects have seen the station stabilise. All income is derived from voluntary donations and membership of the FMR Association (which currently number in excess of 2600 paying a subscription of R280 per annum), programme sponsorship and airtime sales.