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$160k for local radio

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Gabrielle Duykers, Naracoorte Community News

Community radio station 5TCBFM has received a sizable cash injection to update its studio equipment and ensure broadcast continues.

Station administrator Juliet Hayman with radio announcers Jamie Zilm and Sardia Kakoschke in the 5TCBFM studio. Photo: Naracoorte Community News.

At its April meeting, Tatiara District Council voted to grant the station $80,000 to replace broadcast and studio equipment, and approved an additional $80,000 loan to help facilitate further infrastructure upgrades. 

5TCBFM station manager Sardia Kakoschke said the good news still “didn’t feel real”.

“I wasn’t sure what result to expect but I hoped that the council would see the value in 5TCB and what we do for the local community,” Ms Kakoschke said. “I’m just grateful that they do.”

Based in Bordertown, 5TCBFM first launched onto the airwaves in 1986. 

Its content centres around local news and event coverage throughout the Tatiara and Naracoorte-Lucindale districts, as well as regular programming. 

“We are owned and run by the community, so our purpose is to serve their needs,” Ms Kakoschke said. “Whether it be through specialised shows or promoting events within the area for other community groups, or getting behind our sporting groups and helping them recruit members.”

With its current technology dating back almost 40 years, breakdowns and operational problems in the studio were occurring almost on a daily basis. 

The station had planned to seek funding elsewhere, but a recent significant breakdown of equipment increased the urgency of an upgrade.

A potential long wait time for successful funding meant 5TCB was at risk of ceasing operations indefinitely – prompting council to step in.

Ms Kakoschke said the new equipment would be warmly welcome by all  involved with the station. 

“It’s been quite a rough trot these last few years, in particular with all the breakdowns,” she said. “The people that come through 5TCB doors are an incredibly talented bunch of people and it’s finally good to be able to give them the equipment that they deserve to be able to fulfil their duties.”

Ms Kakoschke said the new infrastructure would open up new opportunities for the station.

“We believe 5TCB will never sound the same again – for all the right reasons,” she said.

“We’re hoping that we as radio announcers and staff members can learn new exciting ways to be able to broadcast and improve our services.”

Additionally, Ms Kakoschke said the studio revamp would create possibilities for those looking to explore the media industry or “try their hand” at a radio position.

“The equipment itself is not only going to improve the quality of our services but we’re hoping it will give the whole building a bit of a facelift and create a more inviting environment for all members of the community,” she said.

Installation of the broadcast and studio equipment is set for completion in August this year, with in-kind work and donations from 5TCB assisting the project’s completion.

Naracoorte Community News 20 April 2022

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.

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