IT’S not a horse who walked into a bar and the barman asked: “Why the long face?”
But it’s close.
In the media you ask people to smile for photos, or go on camera, and they always say “No, I’ve got a head for radio”.
You have to admit; it’s an oldie but a goodie.
And the team at Radio EMFM must have heard it a thousand times.
But if you always wanted to be in broadcast media and you have a head for radio, then radio EMFM will find a slot for you.
Even better, you will have a passion, or at worst, a very enthusiastic interest in, being part of the EMFM team.
That doesn’t automatically mean you are going on air because, as sponsorship co-ordinator John Vincent tells it, there are plenty of other jobs for you to do.
“Such as helping us raise more funds, helping with programming, just helping with the myriad of nuts and bolts that go into running a successful radio station that is on the air 24 hours a day, seven days a week and yes, 52 weeks a year,” John said.
“We take a few syndicated shows to help with the programming but if you want to have a go you should come and, well, come and have a go,” he said.
“Obviously COVID-19 is messing us up a fair bit, with some people sending in their shows and we run them in their time slot, or they come in, but for interview shows and local news we can no longer have two or three guests in the studio for interviews or discussions, that’s been cut back to one host and one visitor.”
But what this merry band of announcers and helpers want most are more volunteers and helpers.
It is almost exclusively staffed by retirees and while they are happy to take any youngsters (John said they do now have a 20-year-old doing a show on social issues and hip hoppish style music) it is the older market which underpins the ongoing success of the little station.
“We have a loyal member base but are always looking to grow that and we love diversity – from people doing shows to people helping behind the scenes with everything from sponsorship and administration to helping with programming and phone work,” he explained.
“In a COVID-free world we have funding for a person three hours a day in the station (10am-1pm) so we have a permanent presence for people who call or drop in.
“But the more people we can get involved, the more we will be able to do – no experience necessary; we can teach you everything you need to know.”
John said Echuca Moama Community Radio EMFM 104.7 is a not-for-profit incorporated local radio station set up by (yes) volunteers and providing locally-oriented music programs, interviews, current events, news, weather and warnings in emergency situations.
He said its core strength was it provided a service for the local community that commercial radio stations don’t and its airwaves reach as far as Mathoura, Torrumbarry, Lockington, Elmore and Kyabram and stream to the internet 24/7.
“The station was born on Matong Rd in Echuca and has held a full broadcasting licence since November 1997,” John said.
“The transmitter is on site and with two production studios and an office – and the technology for outside broadcasts – your local station is now technically equipped with the same facilities you would see in a commercial radio station. As part of Campaspe Shire’s masterplan to redevelop this area of Echuca East we are getting a purpose built complex which we hope to be in by the end of next year – making us the envy of community radio around the country.
“It is also a great chance to learn a raft of media skills – from technology to talking on air and as a volunteer organisation it is a chance to give back, and give a voice to, our community.
“You may like to become an active member of our station or you may just wish to donate. We are always looking for new people and we would love you to be part of it.”
