2YOU

Radio station
name = 2YOU FM
airdate = 1982
frequency = 88.9 MHz FM
area = Tamworth, NSW
erp = 1000 watts
format = No formal playlist
owner = Community Radio2YOU FM is a community radio station broadcasting to Tamworth, NSW. The station has been broadcasting for over 25 years to the regional area. It is volunteer based, and is a member of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA). The station aims to be a local voice for the Tamworth area, offering access to any member of the community.

The station broadcasts from Bald Hill, recently upgraded transmission power from 100watts to 1,000 watts ERP.

Mission Statement

The 2YOU FM Mission is to deliver a quality, diverse, and independent alternative to mainstream media that nurtures and encourages community participation.

As a station that focuses on the participatory role of community radio, they seek to involve mostly older members of the community in every aspect of broadcasting.

Programming

Country music accounts for nearly 33% of the airtime on 2YOU FM. This provides an easy to access outlet for Australian Country music artists. 2YOU FM provides airplay for new country music artists, which may assist them in gaining a wider audience. Supporting mostly Australian country music is the function of community radio within Australia, and 2YOU is involved in AMRAP (Australian Music Radio Airplay Project). There are limited programming formats on-air, mostly including the likes of country and 1940's to 1970's music.

A survey of the community of interest has been completed but has not yet been fully available for 2YOU FM members to access. This is has caused strategic changes in programming, with local news being the most requested improvement at the station. A programming response to the majority of the survey has been implemented - the policy or format of the station is still in flux.

Several investigations by the ACMA have been responded to, with no breaches found by the station. The Codes of Practice has been somewhat adhered to by some members of the Board.However, the 2You FM Committee has conducted un-verified decisions with regard to the station and its members. One of these decisions inclued conducting lock changes to the doors without verifying the decision to all members of the committee and to persons who required access to the main office to complete their assigned tasks.

Youth programming on the station has lessened over the past 12 months, due to announcers feeling descriminated against due to the unconventional types of music that they play.

Income

The station earns income from memberships, sponsorships, fundraising, and grants. The sponsorship section of their income is by far the largest portion.

Sponsorship takes the form of payment for on-air promotions of local business. This generates approximately $30,000 per year.

Technical Data

Frequency - 88.9FM

Licenced Power - 1 Kw.

Effective Radiated Power (ERP) - 1000 watts / 1 Kilowatt

Transmitter - CTE 250 watt into an RVR 500 Watt PA

Studio automation; uses "Maximation"

Production; "Adobe Audition"

Desk; Elan 'Kestral 12'

Related links

* [http://www.2youfm.com.au/ 2YOU FM website]
* [http://www.cbaa.org/ CBAA website]