Local voices are back on air across Millicent this week as the new management committee of community radio station 5THE-FM has rostered at least 10 volunteer presenters to get behind the microphone.
New chairman David Walshaw said the newly-established programming sub-committee has drawn up this week’s roster with 10 names with it taking effect yesterday (Monday).
Mr Walshaw said the first roster aimed to broadcast out of the Railway Terrace studios each week day from 6am until 9pm.
He said it comprised the breakfast, mornings, afternoons, drive and evening sessions and each on-air shift lasted three hours.
“The roster includes Bill Chapman, Ken Lane, Craig Press, Chris Copeland, Phil Golding, David Jenkins, Paul McRobert, Megan Brennan and Chris and Karen Turner,” Mr Walshaw said.
“Most of those presenters are already well-known to 5THE-FM while others have wide experience of on-air roles with community radio stations in other places.
“In another piece of good news for 5THE-FM, Member for Barker Tony Pasin has contacted us and pledged his support by becoming a member and a sponsor.
“Mr Pasin is keen to see the station continue.”
Meanwhile, Mr Walshaw said the Millicent station still faced the imminent threats this month of de-registration by the Office of Business and Consumer Services and the withdrawal of its broadcasting licence by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
He said the 5THE-FM peppercorn lease with the State Government was dependent on it retaining its incorporated status and broadcasting licence.
“The radio station is located in the former Millicent railway station,” Mr Walshaw said.
“This building and the adjacent telecommunications tower have been on the open market for almost four years and I imagine they would be promptly sold if the 5THE-FM peppercorn lease was ever cancelled.”
Mr Walshaw chaired a management committee meeting yesterday (Monday) and an interim financial report was presented by the new treasurer Michael Schultz.
“He has donated many hours of his time in the past week and has identified many areas of improvement of the financial controls,” he said.
“Tonight, I am addressing the Millicent Lions Club and I will be seeking their support to stay on-air.
“Radio 5THE-FM is also quietly lobbying the upper echelons of government for assistance with the various regulatory hurdles which must be overcome.”
