Many things change around Brisbane but community radio station 4ZZZ remains constant — 39 years of fresh, independent sounds buzzing out over the 102.1 frequency.
The station has been fuelled by the donations and subscriptions of its listeners over the past 40-odd years and this year's annual 4ZZZ Radiothon is set to be a ripper! I mean let's be honest, does your regular radio station have a program called 'Neon Meate Of An Octofish'? Or a morning show called 'Space Truckin'? 4ZZZ does.
With over 80,000 listeners a week, Radiothon 2014 encourages new donations and subscriptions by offering thousands of dollars worth of prizes for anyone who subscribes during the festival, including the Annual Gold Passes from The Zoo and Dendy Cinemas, a brand new scooter from Urban Scooters, Bluesfest and Club Greenslopes event packages and much, much more.
We managed to track down 4ZZZ's News Department Coordinator Stephen Riggall to give us the inside scoop on this years festivities.
How did you get involved with 4ZZZfm?
I first started in 2011, I had just finished uni and was in need of work experience, I saw 4ZZZ and liked the ethos. I was first involved reading the morning news and then became news coordinator.
What is a typical day inside the station like?
I do the 'News And Current Affairs Show' on Thursdays, but I come into the station most other days to help with the bulletins and stories. Often it's buzzing with activity in the newsroom, especially when something bad has happened in the news.
If you had to describe 4ZZZ in three words, which words would you choose?
Fresh, local and radical.
What is the story behind this year's theme which is 'Challenge Your Media Diet'?
The theme centres on media diversity and truth within reporting. It's focused on the news and current affairs that 4ZZZ puts out — like 'Queer Radio' and 'IndigiBris' — challenging dominant media, and to tap into feelings about the concentration of media ownership in this country... the way it affects the news we are subjected to, the bias, the front pages of dominant news outlets.
If you could choose three bands or artists from any point in history perform on Radiothon who would they be?
Swans, Nick Drake and Jimi Hendrix.
What is your favourite show on the station?
There are so many good shows, the science show 'No Idea' is very interesting, 'Tweet Back Radio' on Monday mornings and great music shows like 'Greener Partners' and 'Damn Classy' — so many good shows.
What would be your ten-second elevator pitch to convince someone to tune into Radiothon?
Imagine if you were stuck with one news channel for the rest of your life! Donate to 4ZZZ's Radiothon and get some diversity in your life!
4ZZZ’s Radiothon 2014 sprawls between August 22-31. So do yourself and your city a solid and pledge now.
