SCMA Member UGFM becomes the first Community Broadcaster to sign Emergency Broadcasting Memorandum of Understanding.
This audio grab is from the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
SCMA Member becomes the first Community Broadcaster to sign Emergency Broadcasting Memorandum of Understanding
Member Station UGFM Alexandra has become the first Community Broadcaster in Australia to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in regard to Emergency Broadcasting. UGFM and the Victorian Office of Emergency Services Commissioner formalized the MOU in at studio complex of UGFM in Alexandra. UG FM played a vital role in Emergency Broadcasting during the Black Saturday fires and continues to broadcast recovery information to its area.
Community Radio has always been involved in emergency broadcasting in as much as when there is an emergency community broadcaster’s do all they can to assist.
The President of the Southern Community Media Association, Mrs. Helen Bath said “It is gratifying to see all the work of the past five years come to fruition. The SCMA has had an ongoing commitment to the formalization of community broadcasters role in Emergency Broadcasting for a long time now and we have done all we could to support our members to achieve Emergency Broadcasting Status”
CEO of the SCMA Ray Hazen congratulated the team at UG FM and in particular Peter Weeks on this achievement. Today is a proud day for all community broadcasters” Peter has been part of the SCMA’s emergency broadcasting committee that has worked hard to ensure that community broadcasters role in Emergency Broadcasting was formalized.
UG FM has made history by becoming the first community broadcaster to gain recognition as an emergency broadcaster in Australia. There are more stations in the system who will be accredited in the coming weeks as part of a push to ensure that people are better informed in times of emergency.
Bruce Esplin, Emergency Services Commissioner said “It’s a fantastic outcome to have community broadcasters now being officially recognised by the State as official emergency broadcasters.”
He went on to say “Community broadcasters can play a vital role in that they can target messages direct to local communities and reach some areas of Victoria where there is no access to commercial or other radio broadcasts”
Emergency Broadcasting and community radio really go hand in hand as Community broadcasters have a real commitment to their local community. They are local vibrant and vital and a valuable part of the fibre of communities all over Australia.
There is no doubt that the addition of community broadcaster’s to the Emergency Broadcasting MOU can only be beneficial to all in times of emergency and recovery.
The Southern Community Media Association remains committed to emergency broadcasting and supporting stations throughout Australia to achieve recognition for the emergency and recovery work they do. The president of the SCMA said “it is vital that we as an organisation remain at the ready to assist all community broadcasters in times of emergency. It isn’t about ego it is about getting the message out in a quick and concise manner and ensuring that listeners are as well informed as possible about the situation at hand.
There is no doubt that this is a great achievement not only for the team at UG FM or the SCMA but also for the community broadcasting sector in general.
Ends
For more information or comment on this release please contact the President of the SCMA on 0407770209 or via email helen@scma1.com
SCMA Launches Program Distribution System Free to All Members
The Southern Community Media Association today released the latest in internet program sharing technology the “Program Distribution System” (PDS) designed by Michael Mcfeeters of MJM Solutions the system is the latest and greatest.
This technology will not only allow member stations to upload and make available programming for all other member stations through a central library it also offers members the ability to direct deliver programs to specific stations without the need to go through the formality of uploading to a library.
The system is designed for ease of operation and for quick and effective delivery of not only programming but any sort of data. This could be a program, an interview, a word file or even a data base of information. The PDS system is designed for ease of operation and was designed specifically for the needs of community broadcasters in mind, while at the same time offering extremely high levels of security for information sent through the system.
Already member stations are keen to provide programs and information for uploading into the system and it will be a matter of weeks before the system has a wide variety of programs available within its program library and the Document library starts to fill.
The PDS is available to all financial members of the Southern Community Media Association at no charge.
If you would like more information on the PDS please feel free to go to the SCMA’s website and follow the link to either PDS or PDS download.
If you would like to become a member of the Southern Community Media Association there is also information on the website on membership to the association. The SCMA is a National Representative Association for Community Broadcasters with member’s right across this Great Southern Land and welcomes new members to the association at any time.
Date of release: 29-03-2010
The Southern Community Media Association has received wide praise for the success of the 2010 National Regional Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference.
The President of the Association Helen Bath said “It was very gratifying to get so much great feedback about the conference so quickly” This year the conference focused on making sure that Regional Rural and Sub Metro community stations had the best possible grass roots information available.” The 2010 conference had a new format that seemed to work seamlessly and provide all delegates with the maximum amount of opportunities to attend workshops and plenary sessions and gain the information that their station needed.
The weekend got off to a great start thanks to the efforts and hard work of the team from OAK FM who used their community networks to host the traditional free Welcome BBQ. Oak FM volunteers threw open their station to all visiting delegates as well as providing a great venue for people to get to know each other and kick off the weekend in an informal and friendly gathering. The networking was flowing and the food, refreshments and conversation made it a great event.
This year the conference did not have a keynote speaker as the informational opportunities were too many to not utilize every second the conference had to offer. It was apparent right from the start of the conference that delegates were there to learn, network and enjoy the friendly and open atmosphere of the event. Southern Community Media Association worked had to ensure that this year’s conference was arguably the best of the six annual events so far and the delegates went a long way to ensure that was the case. With delegates from every State in Australia, some travelling huge distances, it was apparent very early that this conference was going to be something special
This year’s conference dinner and X Awards presentation was a great night of food, wine, conversation and fellowship with delegates moving from table to table enjoying each others company and conversation. With yet again record numbers of entries into the X Awards the awards were presented under a new format that was very well accepted by all at the event. There were many happy faces as finalist certificates were presented and awards were handed out. Congratulations to all winners. All winners will be announced in a media release later today.
The final day of the conference saw record numbers of delegates stay around to be involved in plenary sessions and be involved in lively discussions on several topics. It was great to see so many stations so actively involved in the sessions and the conference in general.
The organising committee thanks ARFC, Air News, MJM Solutions, Klotz Digital and the team from Mind Frame for their continued support of the National Regional Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference. We also wish to acknowledge the great group of people who took time out of their lives to assist the conference by presenting a workshop, training session or plenary. It was fantastic to see the level of involvement, the reaction and the interaction to your presence at this years conference. Speakers at this years conference were: ACMA, David Wilson Business coach, Brad Ward, Michael McFeeters, Andy Ingram, Denise Kuchmar, The CBF, Di Richmond, ARFC, Air News, AMRAP, Helen Bath and Ray Hazen.
Of course that does not include the wealth of advice and information passed between delegates at various times through out the conference.
There is no doubt that this years National Regional Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference has laid a firm and substantial foundation for future conferences to grow and expand. If you attended this year’s conference, see you next year and thank you for helping to make this year’s conference great. If you were unable to be at this years conference perhaps this will inspire you to attend in 2011.
Date of release: 18-03-2010
The Southern Community Media Association’s Program Distribution System has evolved further today with the introduction of a revamped PDS Web Interface.
The PDS Web Interface enables PDS users to manage the content available to them as well as acquire new content such as; programs, audio, production material, Australian music and a range of station administration material.
This revamp is a much neater design to our past Web Interface and has been developed by Brad, the SCMA’s webmaster.
If you’re a PDS user check it out by logging in to the PDS Web Interface at: http://my.scma.org.au
Below is a screenshot of the new PDS Web Interface.
SCMA PDS Screenshot
THIS ARTICLE IS OUTDATED & DUE TO OUR IMPROVED WEBSITE CHANGES THE INFORMATION IS INCORRECT!
THIS ARTICLE WILL BE KEPT AS AN ARCHIVE
The PDS (Program Distribution System) has now passed through its Beta testing phase and will be released to all and sundry very shortly. What is the PDS I hear you ask?
The PDS will allow secure program distribution between one to one stations or one to many stations, the PDS operates in two different modes
Direct Delivery
In this mode PDS is capable of delivering material directly to one or more stations simultaneously.
For example station 2AAA wishes to send program material to One FM in Shepparton and Voice FM in Ballarat it can cue the information to be sent directly to these stations. Once it has been sent it will then download automatically at the target station or stations. This does not mean anybody can deliver material to any other station with out permission. Each station will need to authorize the other station in order for this to be allowable.
Internet Subscription Mode
In this mode PDS will allow any station to supply programs or information to the PDS this program or information will then be accessible via a web page.
The web address for this page will be http://www.scma1.com/pds this will take you to a login page. Once you have logged in you will see the listed programs that your station can subscribe to.
* Update The PDS web interface will be upgraded over the coming weeks and we’ll be introducing a range of new features with our web based interface.
For example lets take 2AAA again it wants to supply a 1 hour show for 6 months on a weekly basis, 2AAA would apply to do this by the PDS system. Once 2AAA receives approval the program item will be displayed on the SCMA PDS web site. Let’s say Voice FM would like to take this segment; all they need to do is login onto the PDS site and click on the program it wishes to receive. Once your station has subscribed to a program the PDS will download this program automatically when it has been supplied to the PDS system.
Security
The PDS employs multiple levels of security ensuring that programs you supply will only go to the intended recipients and that it does not pose a security threat to any Computer. All Data transferred over the internet is fully encrypted, all registrations are locked to a specific computer and any tampering with security settings will render the program unlicensed.
Where can I get PDS and at what cost?
PDS is supplied free to all financial members of the SCMA. For information on the PDS can be obtained by contacting the CEO of SCMA Via our contact page
The Future
The PDS will deliver not only program segments it can and will deliver any type of information stored as a file, be it large or small with the upmost security. Improvements are continuously being made and constructive feedback is very welcome
Have you booked your Trade display Site for the 6th Annual National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference in Wangaratta yet?
This year’s conference will see the high level of trade friendliness of previous National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference maintained. The organisers of this year’s conference have Maintained their commitment to the trade representatives. The emphasis is on making the conference a great experience for every one attending and ensuring the Trade representatives have great facilities.
The National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference continues to grow and indications at this point say that this years conference will be the best attended so far with both Trade and delegate registrations rolling in. We are already seeing higher registrations for the conference that at this stage in previous years.
This year the Trade display area will remain separated from the workshop and plenary area of the conference. As usual this will give trade representatives the ability to conduct business and speak to delegates during workshops without any fears of interruption to the workshops. It will also allow delegates to miss workshops to meet and speak to trade representatives when they want to. The Trade area will once again be the food area of the conference and this will mean guaranteed traffic flow during all breaks and allow Trade representatives to speak to delegates during meal breaks as well as delegates who want to have a quiet word while the conference it’s self is going on.
Here are some of the great features of the trade aspect of this years conference that Trade Display representatives will enjoy at the conference this year:
The Conference registration are is within the trade area and delegates will not have access to the conference area until 15 minutes prior to the opening of the conference this means that during the registration process delegates will be free to wander the trade area and speak to trade representatives.
The very successful and popular drinks with the Trade will once again be conducted in the trade. Drinks with the trade is on Saturday afternoon again giving the trade area increased delegate traffic flow and a chance to speak with delegates in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Trade Companies that register for this years National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference will have their Company logo added to the Conference website to let delegates and people considering attending that their company will be represented at this years conference.
Trade Companies attending this years National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference will also be able to submit a description of what they will have at the conference. This will be added to the conference program as well as the web site and the pre conference newsletter
Once again there is also the very popular trade forum workshop where trade representatives and delegates get together in a workshop environment and talk technical. Trade delegates from previous years have been very impressed with this opportunity to speak to delegates as part of the conference.
There are other developments that the Conference Committee is working on to ensure that Trade Representatives have an enjoyable and profitable experience at the 2010 National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference in Wangaratta March 12th to 14th
The 2010 Trade site fees have once again remained unchanged. The National Regional Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference Understands that in tough economic times it is important to support the companies that support the conference and show that we are committed to ensuring our delegates get the best possible opportunities to see what is on offer throughout the industry.
With a Fantastic Rates package and a real commitment to Trade representatives can your company miss this opportunity to meet and speak with Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Community Broadcasters from across Australia? For Many of these delegates this is the only conference they will attend this year and your only opportunity to meet face to face and develop a relationship with these community broadcasters
If you want more information on being a trade representative at the 2010 National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters visit the associations web site www.scma1.com and follow the links to the conference and trade information.
See you in Wangaratta March 12th to 14th 2010 for the National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference for more information contact Ray on 0409 533 891 or use the contact us page.
National Regional Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference schedule released on the Web
Following on from the relaunch of the Southern Community Media Associations new website yesterday the Association has released the schedule of events for the 2010 National Regional Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference.
Some of the featured speakers at this years event will be the ACMA speaking about the code of conduct and sponsorship guidelines, David Wilson will return to speak about succession planning and marketing your station, Michael Mcfeeters will conduct a session on Technical made simple, the CBF have two workshops plus many more speakers on many topics will be at the conference. There will be all the usual features of the conference such as drinks with the trade, the welcome BBQ and the Conference dinner and X Awards.
All of this and a whole lot more and all included in the affordable conference registration fee. There are no extras and no hidden costs for delegates.
The 2010 National Regional Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference is a great opportunity for your station to learn, network and enjoy the social side of community broadcasting in an open and friendly atmosphere.
Take a few minutes to have a look at the conference schedule and information and then make your booking to be in Wangaratta Victoria on March 12th to 14th 2010.
We will make you welcome!
SCMA Press Release
After the devastation of Black Saturday last year, the Whittlesea Country Music Festival is back bigger and brighter in 2010.
The festival will run from the 12th through to the 14th February 2010.
As part of the festival, Plenty Valley FM is proud to be broadcasting nationally the Victorian and National Country Music Awards. The broadcast will come to you “LIVE” from the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday February 13th from 8 pm EDT.
Join us for a night of awards, interviews & live performances by some of the best established and up and coming talent in Australian Country Music.
These awards are now regarded second only to Tamworth and are gaining in stature year by year.
We would love to hear from SCMA stations who will be taking the awards, drop us a line at b4king@live.com.au, so we can give your station a “shoutout” during the broadcast.
Join us on CRN or NIRS satellite service from 8pm EDT till Midnight on SATURDAY 13th FEBRUARY.
NOTE: Stations already taking AMRAP music that night will automatically get the awards program from 8pm.
Festival Website: http://www.whittleseacountrymusicfestival.com.au
Make your comments about this press release below. Members can publish comments immediately, non-members comment’s are subject to review.
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