and get good results

On a grey and overcast day after much to do within the township of Bordertown in South Australia for people stepped into the Studio’s of 5 TCB with a commitment to stay awake and be on air for the next 49 hours.

Scad and Mandy of Melomania fame along with survivor of the original Lockdown Ray and new kid on the block Stephanie entered the lockdown with mixed emotions and trepidations.

The lockdown started life last year as a concept brought together by the Melomania team and SCMA to assist the leukaemia foundation and 5 TCB. It was a success and even though it was a hard concept to get up and running and the execution wasn’t always pretty it proved to be a great event and something that was well worth the time and effort to develop it and maybe expand it to other stations as a major fundraiser.

This year the lockdown wasn’t just about 5 TCB and the Leukaemia Foundation with four other stations joining into the network the pressure was on to prove that we as community broadcasters could work together for the common good, Joining the lockdown network in 2011 were stations that shared the vision and were prepared to take a chance on something a little different and new. 2 MIA (Griffith), TEM FM (Temora), 2 GHR (Holbrook), EMFM (Echuca) and Voice FM Ballarat all stepped up to the plate and decided to have a go and see if history could be made with one of the first live simulcast broadcasts for a fundraiser within community radio could be achieved. The simple answer is yes it was achieved and yes it was successful and yes there were some problems but by in large they were overcome and the show went on.

There was a very steep learning curve and some trial and error to keep all stations happy as much as possible but that was always going to be the case and has provided the organisers with a lot of information to ensure that the next Lockdown will be bigger better and as user friendly as is possible.

So to the actual event. 49 Hours of Continuous on air content provided by four people and some 60 plus interviews. There were challenges and problems there was some personality conflicts and disagreements but all in all it went well and provided an entertaining and in most cases enjoyable listening experience. There were some notable highs such as talking with Foo Fighters and Suzie Quatro and so many others. There was outstanding acts of generosity from listeners as well as performers, one example was the guys from Noise Works who are about to put a new album together and will be in the studio soon doing just that. When we explained to them what we were doing and why right then and there live they went we want to help out we will donate a prize for two people to spend the day with us in the studio to just hang out and watch us record for you to auction off, that auction is still going on as I right this and it was already in the three figure area. Yes it was a hard 49 hours with no sleep and yes at

times the content was not the best but what it was; was proof of concept it proved that 6 community broadcasters can get together and make a difference, that we can work together and that it is possible if we are prepared to step out of the comfort zone and take a few risks.

I congratulate not only the people that stepped into that studio for the 49 hours but also the crew at Melomania and 5 TCB who supported the concept and assisted to make it all work, the SCMA for being involved and helping to put the thing together. Most of all I congratulate Voice FM, EMFM, 2 GHR, 2 TEM and 2 MIA  for taking the chance and believing enough to take on the lockdown and create that network that was interactive live and vibrant.

I know we did live crosses to most of the stations several times throughout the lockdown event and that proved to be an important link back to the communities of the stations that were taking the show and supporting the concept.

I don’t know if there will be a Lockdown in 2012 but I certainly hope there will be and if there is I am more than happy to be involved again and see the event grow and develop as a fundraiser for the Leukaemia Foundation and for Community Broadcasters in general. To quote Paul Kelly “from little things big things grow” and I hope that this is one event that continues to grow and prosper and that the stations that put their hands up to be involved in this event remain involved and continue to benefit form their vision and involvement.

We regularly run spots for a Travel Company here on the SunshineCoast in beautiful Queensland..‘Trade Travel’.anyway the local guy came to me and said they had a tour they needed to fill that hadn’t been advertised on our station…anyway they had no bookings and needed at least 20 people to make the trip break even…..after 2 weeks advertising with Sunshine FM they had topped up the trip to 50 people with a genuine 48 who had booked as a direct result of the ad on our station….that’s a 96% result…not too bad in these days of doom and gloom!

The cost to the client was a ¼ of what they would have paid on one of the other commercial stations

Who says Community Radio doesn’t pull good numbers!

Gary Roydhouse JP C.dec  General Manager  104.9 Sunshine FM

Life FM Gippsland had been running quietly for a few weeks and after some checking we discovered that the exciter had decided that after 40,000 or so hours – it was time for a break! The unit was red hot and so we needed to get it out!

A quick email to Ray at SCMA to see if anyone had a unit they could loan us prompted a quick response and two days later we picked up a unit from Plenty Valley FM. We are so grateful tat we didn’t have to take the station off air while we sorted this out.

The team at PlentyValley were very helpful and we’re hoping to hear soon what we need for our transmitter. Great networking and terrific service from SCMA! Thanks everyone.

Deb Bye Station Manager Life FM Gippsland

Rob Stewart, Treasurer of 3BBR-FM, got the surprise of his life when he was announced as the recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship.

This is Rotary’s way of recognising appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs.. Recipients are presented with a certificate, a medallion, and a lapel pin, which identifies them as advocates of the Rotary Foundation’s goal of world peace and understanding.

From what we have seen of Rob’s work at 3BBR-FM, it is a well-deserved accolade. Rob led a small team of workers to transform the drab bathroom, turning it into a light, bright, disability friendly facility, installed a ramp at the entrance and persuaded the shire to put up finger signs to the station. And those are just the major achievements.

We were delighted to be able to join the long list of organisations which recommended Rob for the fellowship.

Peter Weeks from member station UG FM was the MC for the reopening of the Marysville SES HQ following the Feb 7th fires. As well as Peter’s involvement with UG FM he is also an SES volunteer and SES Media Liaison Officer with the Alexandra Unit.

The majority of the SES Building was badly damaged and Marysville lost much of their equipment and primary rescue vehicle that has been replaced. The Victorian Historic Racing Register Club raised $28,000 to replace road accident equipment and that was also handed over. The SES Long service Medals for 10 and 30 years of services were awarded by the Premier to Marysville volunteers.

UG FM decided to broadcast some of the activities on the day with their new Tieline outside Broadcast Equipment funded by the Bendigo Bank Community Fund to the tune of $17,000 and talked live via NextG IP connection back to their Alexandra Studios and across their network of 5 transmitters.

Peter advised they were fortunate that, at late notice, the Premier of Victoria and the following day the Prime Minister both payed a visit. Both were more than happy to have a chat live on UGFM together. That’s something you don’t see too often.

The Prime Minister appeared to really enjoy the day. It was her first official function in Victoria as Prime Minister.

The quote of the day goes to the Prime Minister. Peter Weeks reported that following the largest media conference he had ever seen the PM told them all “Ok we have to go and talk on Community Radio now”

And they did, on UGFM!

Apologies for the small images pics taken on phone

Monday 5th July 2010

Voice FM announces the release of their new website – www.voicefm.com.au

An exciting addition to not only Ballarats own community broadcaster but a great community resource for all.
www.voicefm.com.au is designed as a resource and information portal as well as a contact point for all things relating to the Ballarat community.

The site features a myriad of information including an events guide, a comprehensive gig guide, local news, community information and dynamic links for all things Ballarat. This valuable community asset has been a long time coming and aims to improve community access to information our community demands.

Tully Smith the Chairman of Voice FM said “We at your community station 99.9 Voice FM have been undergoing significant change in recent months with a real focus on the needs of the Ballarat community. Voice FM believes the Ballarat community deserve a website that truly reflects the happenings and events within our community”.

We encourage all parts of our community to actively participate in this vital communication portal and the website will facilitate quick easy access to local information, news and events.

Ends

Media Contact: Brad Ward (Web Master) – 0488 616 924

“I personally and on behalf of 5 TCB would also like to thank all member stations. It’s due to the SCMA and member stations like yourselves that community radio is what it is today.”

Sardia (scad) Kakoschke 5TCB Bordertown S.A

The SCMA jumped on board with 5TCB Bordertown by throwing our CEO into “The 48 Hour Lockdown” an amazing event to support 5TCB and The Leukaemia Foundation.

Ray Hazen, CEO of SCMA was Locked Down! for 48 Hours in the Studios of 5TCB in an effort to fund raise for two important community organisations.

No Sleep! No Connection to the outside world, Ray, Scad & Mandy locked down! It was a challanage that was answered with massive success.

Over $3000 was raised from donations locally, nationally and internationally thanks to the success of streaming online.

The SCMA assisted 5TCB by facilitating the online streaming which saw huge interest in the event.

It’s the “Can Do” attitude of the SCMA that adds that little bit extra for the benefit of members.

“On behalf of the West Wyalong community radio we would like to thank you and all the station that helped in our little hiccup.

The 100% effort and support will not be forgotten and if I or our station can help in anyway please do not hesitate to ask. Once again many thanks for today.”

Chris Butcher West Wyalong Community Radio N.S.W