92FM

92FM (call sign: 7THE) is a radio station in Hobart, Australia broadcasting on 92.1 MHz and 96.1 MHz.

History

Hobart FM Incorporated applied for and was granted a Public Radio Licence in 1977 under the auspices of the Tasmanian College of Advanced Education at Mt. Nelson. Using the call sign 7CAE the station broadcast a wide range of specialist programs. Following the college's relocation to Launceston in 1980, Hobart FM Inc. assumed the full responsibility in the running of the station, subsequently moving premises to the Hobart CBD, where it continued to operate a lively and alternative radio service under the call sign of 7THE (92FM). In March 1992 the station re-located to 17 Alma Street, Bellerive, where it is better placed to fulfill its role as a responsive and innovative Community Broadcaster with specialist music programs, community access and multicultural presentations, as well as information programs covering a wide and varied range of subjects.

Programme philosophy

92FM's broadcasts are eclectic and broad ranging. Briefly, the station aims to cater for the information needs and music tastes of those not catered for by the commercial and government broadcasters in Hobart. From country to classical, soul music to psychadelia, classics from the 1960s to today's Top 40 hits, there is a large array of musical styles represented across the programme schedule, with special attention given to local artists with a 3-hour weekly Tasmanian programme and ethnic language broadcasts. 92FM enables the voice of individuals and minority groups to be heard throughout the wider Hobart community.

Broadcast area

92FM transmits its signal from an antenna site on Mt. Nelson which allows for coverage in the Hobart City area, Sandy Bay through to Moonah, Glenorchy, Clarence including Lauderdale, Rokeby, South Arm, Municipality of Kingborough, Bridgewater, Gagebrook, Brighton, Sorell and Richmond with its signal reaching far beyond these points. 92FM also relays its transmission on 96.1FM in the northern suburbs eliminating many of the "blackspots" created by Hobart's geographic layout.

Management structure

92FM is a Public Radio Station operated by Hobart FM Inc; which is a community-based, non-profit organization. The station is administered by a Committee of Management comprising of ten people elected by the Association's members at an Annual General Meeting. Although the Committee is entrusted with the overall management of the station, 92FM could not operate without the services of some sixty or so active volunteers who undertake a range of tasks from broadcasting and production to clerical and fundraising activities. The reliance of volunteer involvement not only enables 92FM to operate on a tight budget, but facilitates direct community participation in the day to day running of the station.

Financial sources

92FM receives income from three main sources:

*Twice yearly government grants for the production and broadcast of ethnic programs.
*Membership subscription or donations.
*Sponsorship of programs.

These income areas are insufficient to cover the cost involved in running a Community Radio service and often requires support from other fundraising activities such as raffles and dinner dances.

Programme link

[http://www.indie-cds.com/main.htm Malcolm Fielding Mostly Folk Show]

See also

* Artists4Mercy
* Soul music

External links

* [http://www.7the.org 92FM Website]
* [http://www.cbaa.org Community Broadcasting Association Of Australia]