Access Radio Likely Next Year, Says Mr Hunt (Press, 24 April 1986)

New Zealand is set to launch its first full-time community access radio station in Christchurch, with broadcasting expected to commence in early 1987. This announcement was made by the Minister of Broadcasting, Mr Hunt, during the official opening of the Media Studies Centre at Christchurch Polytechnic on 24 April 1986. An application is being prepared to submit to the Broadcasting Tribunal for a warrant to operate the station, which will be a joint effort between the Broadcasting Corporation and the Polytechnic Council, alongside local input from the Independent Broadcasters’ Association. Mr Hunt emphasised the significance of this development, describing it as a major advancement in New Zealand’s broadcast media landscape and a vital extension of adult and community education offered by the Polytechnic. He acknowledged support from Radio New Zealand and the Independent Broadcasters’ Association, which has provided crucial resources like tutors and equipment. However, he expressed disappointment over the Radio Industry Bureau's current inactivity, highlighting the benefits of collaboration among competitive entities particularly in fostering educational initiatives. The proposed community access station is expected to fulfil three main roles: it will serve as a distance learning facility for local education users, provide training opportunities for students at the media studies center, and function as a community access platform for the Christchurch and Canterbury regions. Mr Brian Pauling, the head of the media studies centre, conveyed confidence that the application for a broadcasting licence would be approved, given the thorough research and sound financial backing already in place for the station. Funding for the station will come from community subscriptions, sponsorships, and fees, ensuring its operational sustainability. Currently, the media studies centre operates an FM radio station, Radio One, which broadcasts for two-week spans at the conclusion of each broadcasting course. The latest two-week period ended yesterday, and normal transmissions are scheduled to resume on 14 July 1986. Since 1984, the centre has provided two comprehensive courses on broadcasting topics and runs pre-entry and advanced training courses bi-annually. Community courses on media-related subjects are also available on weekends and evenings, further exemplifying the centre's commitment to enhancing media education and community engagement in broadcasting.

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