Member feature written by Meg Baresic
As I make my way up the lift to community radio station Reading Radio, a man (who I later come to know as long-standing volunteer Geoff) asks if I’m visiting the station. I’m grateful for the ice breaker, particularly given I’m often nervous when visiting new organisations. I tell him I am, and he’s kind enough to direct me toward the entrance of Reading Radio. It’s here that I’m also introduced to Chris, Reading Radio’s Station Manager and one of the most knowledgeable Station Managers I’ve ever met (he may very well be the first one I’ve met, but he easily takes the title).
Spearheaded in 1979 by member of Blind Welfare Organisation Spero Dragona, Reading Radio is a community radio station nestled in the heart of Brisbane. Reading Radio initially began as a service to the blind or those with low vision, and despite its humble and grass-roots origin, the station now boasts a listenership of approximately 65,000 people.
The station relies on over 100 dedicated and incredible volunteers to provide a breakfast, morning, and drive-home show to its diverse and grateful listeners. A variety of hosts provide in-depth news coverage from the likes of The Courier Mail and The Australian, allowing those who struggle with sight or dyslexia to remain informed and engaged with the news.
After working in commercial radio for years and slowly losing his passion, Chris’s love for radio was reignited by the likes of a regional community station. “I love the connection that comes with community radio. Despite what people say about radio being ‘dead’, radio is as relevant and successful as ever.”
When I ask Geoff what prompted him to volunteer with Reading Radio, he tells me that after retiring, he wanted to find a positive way to spend his newfound spare time. “You feel like you’re contributing something to the community, and no other station does anything like this,” Geoff explains.
So too does no other station boast three blind producers, known as ‘the two Steves and Paul,’ who play a pivotal role in the production of programs for the show. Other volunteers can assist with the three daily shows or program production, with all volunteers provided with training and support throughout their rewarding time at the station.
“It’s a great opportunity to meet different people and learn a whole new set of skills,”
Chris explains, highlighting that all the volunteers come from diverse and interesting backgrounds. Be it as an ex-lawyer, teacher, or a university student looking for some practical experience, Reading Radio provides a welcome relief from the nature of the online news cycle.
Reading Radio relies primarily on its wonderful volunteers, government grants, donations, and sponsorships to continue providing quality radio services. As time has passed, Chris explains, Reading Radio has tried to loosen the rules around how the news is delivered. There is still a format and a way of doing things, but “we want people to be themselves.” It is this ethos, along with their motto ‘empowerment through information’, that underpins the work done by Reading Radio and bolsters the state of the news.
Reading Radio (Formally Radio 4RPH) is Queensland’s only community radio station dedicated to empowering the community though information.
Head to Reading Radio’s website to find out more about how you can volunteer with the station.
About Meg
Meg Baresic is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and Journalism at QUT. When she’s not drinking coffee or catching up with friends, Meg loves chatting to and learning from inspiring and interesting people.
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