Women Poised To Make The Most Of Community Radio (Press, 27 January 1984)

A proposed community access FM station, City Radio, is expected to play a significant role in Christchurch, New Zealand, with potential leadership from various organisations and community groups, particularly women’s groups. Brian Pauling, a media studies tutor at Christchurch Polytechnic, noted that women have shown remarkable interest in community radio, often utilising it more creatively and professionally than men. He is involved in developing professional and community broadcasting courses at the Polytechnic, which are set to commence this year. The rise of community radio is viewed as part of a global trend towards decentralising broadcasting, which began in the 1960s and 1970s with the emergence of pirate radio stations. As broadcasting becomes more accessible, community leaders and cultural organisations will need to adapt and effectively utilise these new techniques. According to Birgitte Jallov, who recently reported on community radio for the United Nations, women’s groups worldwide increasingly leverage community radio to promote their issues and perspectives, engaging in discussions on local politics, the nuclear threat, and women's rights. The International World Community Radio Conference held in Montreal in August recommended establishing a network for women in community radio, which may start with a newsletter and culminate in an International Women’s Radio Conference planned for the week before the International Women’s Decade Conference in 1985. In Australia, community radio has flourished alongside FM broadcasting since the Whitlam government granted FM licences in 1975. Many stations are supported by educational institutions, similar to the model of City Radio. The choice of music is crucial as it helps to draw specific audiences. Australian FM stations often target blue-collar workers and unemployed youth by using genres like rock and country music. Broadcasters must ensure full air time to capture and retain listeners; stations with limited broadcasting hours face challenges in audience engagement. The community courses offered by Christchurch Polytechnic aim to foster greater understanding and involvement in radio and television broadcasting among locals, particularly those interested in participating in City Radio. Pauling emphasises the significance of these courses, noting the importance of understanding the effects of broadcasting on society and the various responsibilities associated with it. He questions who holds power within broadcasting and how communities can gain access to these platforms. Amid the excitement and challenges posed by community access radio, Pauling believes that the launch of City Radio will contribute to a more vibrant community in Christchurch.

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