Community radio celebrates milestone
For 35 years, the 101 FM team has been more than voices in the ears of the Logan community.
Ever since the community radio station began as a humble set-up in a caravan, the team behind the mics has prided itself on building meaningful relationships with listeners – long before social media interaction.
President Mike Bennett, who has been with the station for 9 years, says because the DJs have a local perspective and share about their lives, listeners feel they know them – and interacting online in recent years has strengthened the bonds between listener and presenter.
This was starkly demonstrated during COVID when, amid a flood of sometimes contradictory information, listeners turned to Logan’s only community radio station as a trusted voice, a reliable advisor – and, sometimes, for some light relief, specific shows that were a guaranteed COVID-free zone.
‘We heard from people that we gave them the information they needed, and also a break from things when that was important,’ Mike says.
‘We also heard from people who were struggling and feeling quite lonely that we helped them get through the days.
‘When you hear things like that, you think – that’s why we do this.’
The radio station is run solely by volunteers, funded through donations and sponsorships. Both Mike and station manager Terry Blacker – with 101 since 2000 – have a background in commercial radio.
‘When we started, people had to write in on a postcard to get in touch, or phone up, which is a bit daunting,’ Mike says.
‘Now it’s much more of a 2-way conversation and we love that.’
Terry and Mike agree it’s a privilege to be in the ears of the Logan community.
‘The close-knit nature of this community, and the sense of generosity is staggering,’ Terry says.
‘To know that we make an impact in this community, of which we are part, is important.’
Even as streaming services and the increasingly competitive commercial radio landscape ramp up, community radio listeners stay loyal – but the 101fm team isn’t complacent. The team has big plans for its already packed line-up, including potential for more themed shows, and is hoping to attract a new wave of volunteers.
‘We’d love to see some younger people come in, and even work with schools and universities so they can learn skills here,’ Mike says.
To help it achieve this – and to fund some much-needed upgrades to their Logan Central building and their equipment – the team is running a Radiothon this weekend, where the station will have special guests, live broadcasts, amazing prizes, special shows, meet and greets with many of 101 FM’s 32 presenters, and more. The crew will also launch its Supporters Club, where, for $30 a year, supporters can win prizes and receive newsletters and a welcome gift – as well as the knowledge they are supporting Logan’s community radio.
You can support the radiothon by tuning in from 9 am, Friday 23 June from through until Monday 26 June at 12 noon e and by heading down to the station between 9 am and 3 pm on 24 June. Head to the website for more information. 101FM
