The Star E-dition

Student station Redradio assists wrecked Alex FM

KARISHMA DIPA karishma.dipa@inl.co.za

RADIO is a vital broadcasting platform, particularly in a democratic nation such as South Africa where the dissemination of information is vital.

This is particularly the case for community radio stations, which scores of people from all walks of life rely on for information, education and entertainment.

But Alex FM, one of Gauteng’s most popular community radio stations, was unable to perform these vital functions when civil unrest led to their premises being ransacked during violent scenes of looting last week, forcing the station to close indefinitely.

In a bid to get the community radio station in Alexandra back on air, neighbouring station Redradio has jumped to their aid.

The Sandton-based student-run station has since pledged R5 000 to

Alex FM and aims to provide further financial assistance soon.

“In the future, we have a couple of fund-raising ideas that we would like to donate to Alex FM,” Redradio programme manager Thomas Hele told The Saturday Star this week.

“There is no doubt that Redradio is privileged in the community that supports us and with that comes great responsibility. Alex FM, similarly to Redradio, plays a pivotal role in building skill and experience in a cut-throat industry.”

Hele described Alex FM as a “pillar in the broadcasting industry” and said it was important for them to continue the important work they do.

“It’s a privilege that we’ve been able to help out in a small way and we hope to provide further assistance.”

While the Sandton student radio station has provided assistance to neighbouring Alex FM, they are no strangers to assisting the Joburg broadcasting community at large.

Their recent partnership with the Johannesburg Junior Council has resulted in the creation of bi-weekly podcasts which stream on Redradio’s platform.

“The podcast gives perspective from youth from all over Johannesburg from many different views, which is so vital for our audience to receive,” said Hele.

Redradio has also been involved in helping the Brescia House School in Bryanston, Sandton, with initiating their own podcast channel.

Hele and those at the student radio station are passionate about lending a helping hand to the community because they too required assistance from the likes of Hot 91.9 and 702 in terms of training and internships.

“Both radio stations have been life-changing for Redradio,” said Hele. “When we initially set up Redradio, we had no idea about the industry. We figured it out as we went along.”

| The Saturday Star

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2021-07-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-07-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thestar.pressreader.com/article/281754157347865

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