Get hands-on to lift station’s voice

DO you have broadcast media experience, or are you interested in a community service opportunity that both entertains and informs the public?

Ballarat’s independent community radio station, 99.9 Voice FM, is fully broadcast by a team of volunteers and the organisation needs more to assist with day-to-day operations.

“Our station is run by amazing volunteers, but we can always do with more,” said Voice board chair Wes McKnight. “We have opportunities in a range of roles.

“We are always on the look-out for on-air presenters, panel operators and programming assistants.

“Off the air, we have plenty of opportunities as well, and skills in reception, administration, finance, management, sponsorship, social media, governance, policy and procedure writing, grant writing, and fundraising are all helpful.”

According to the 2023 Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Community Radio National Listener Survey, community radio reaches over 4.93 million people weekly across the country.

Thirty-one per cent of radio listeners are loyal to community stations, and on average, they spend more than 14 hours a week tuned in.

“Voice FM is local and vocal,” Mr McKnight said. “We are for, and about, our diverse listening audience across Ballarat and the Central Highlands.

“We keep you up to date, airing local, state, and national news and views on what’s happening in and around Ballarat and our region.

“Each program is unique, with presenters playing their own choice of music that they love and enjoy, so you get a wide variety of music, news, and views.

“Voice FM makes an important contribution to building safe and contributing societies and reinforcing cultural vibrancy, and it does so by amplifying the voices of local communities not adequately catered for by other broadcasters, many of whom have commercial interests.”

Voice FM is a not-for-profit organisation which was founded in 1982 and formerly broadcast under the 3BBB name.

Listeners tune in at 99.9FM, on the iHeart Radio website, or the Community Radio Plus app.

Contact [email protected] to express interest in volunteering.