Arare public protest rally will be held in Millicent on Saturday morning for community members interested in the operations of the local community radio station 5 THE-FM.
Protest organiser David Walshaw has asked those attending to meet at 9am on the footpath of Railway Terrace outside the former train station which has housed the radio station for over 30 years.
Speaking on behalf of other concerned community members, Mr Walshaw said there had been no response from 5 THE-FM management about the 60 applications for membership which were made following a public meeting in Millicent almost two months ago.
“Despite 5 THE-FM currently advertising on-air for more volunteers, we have had no word about the fate of these 60 membership applications and whether or not they have been processed,” Mr Walshaw said.
“The community deserves better than this.
“There is an open invitation from me to meet with the 5 THE-FM board and management.
“I am offering to mediate as I believe there is currently an impasse between the community and the radio station.
“Saturday’s protest will be orderly and respectful just like the public meeting two months ago.
“We will request station management to address the protest meeting on Saturday to explain what has happened to those 60 applications for membership.
“There is live broadcasting from the Millicent studios every Saturday morning.
“Saturday Morning Jukebox has long been on the station’s schedule.”
Past station volunteers are supporting the protest meeting and have told The SE Voice they withdrew from their involvement with 5 THE-FM owing to differences with management.
John Drew provided technical services for several years but said he felt unable to continue under the management practices.
Fellow volunteer Chris Copeland presented a weekly rock and blues music show for seven years and is willing to return to the airwaves.
“5 THE-FM needs to get back to its community roots,” Mr Copeland said.
Ken Lane also donated his time as an on-air announcer, provided voice-over sponsorship announcements and chaired the board of management.
Mr Lane had a 20-year involvement with 5 THE-FM but his return is conditional.
“There has to be a new direction,” Mr Lane said.
The SE Voice has approached 5 THE-FM management for comment.
