If you’re a compassionate community member with something to say and a passion to say it then why not join the Access Radio Network and make yourself heard. Access radio hosts over 11 stations nation wide giving you the opportunity to host your own radio show. The Access radio community offers on-site technical facilities and professional training to community groups and under-represented minorities that don’t get a chance to be heard through mainstream media. Some of these include people with disabilities, solo parents, youth, alternative music, queer and ethnic minorities.

All radio shows are governed by a not-for-profit trust, are part funded by NZ on Air and sponsored by local businesses and organisations.

So what’s up for grabs at the moment?

Right now Access radio network is on the look out for creative out spoken people to join their network in Hamilton. Join the station’s team of 120 volunteer broadcasters creating radio by, for, and about their culture, interests, and beliefs.  Every week the station broadcasts 100 different radio shows in more than fifteen languages, covering a diverse range of subjects including politics, health and disability issues, and youth affairs. 

 “Access radio is by, for and about people like you or me, and represents voices that are not often heard from in mainstream media,” explains Community Radio Hamilton’s general manager Phil Grey. 

As an Access radio station we provide a forum for free speech in any language and starting your own radio show is easy.  “We always operate an open door policy, and aim to make it easy enough so that anyone, in any language, can get involved in Access radio,” says Phil.

As Katrina Paikea from the Whanau Tahi – One Love show says “The show has been going since November 2008.  The broadcasts began with a 10 week programme, outlining what single parenting was all about (from my own experience), sharing different topics each week and interviewing local groups to coincide.  Since then I talk mainly about what’s current for one parent families, what’s happening in the community (covering events etc) and any info that might be supportive to families.  Last weeks show for instance, was on (healing and encouraging!) remembering who we are and why we should continue living positively as one parent families”.

Community Radio Hamilton offers new broadcasters free training and support to get their shows started, and aside from providing expert advice on show planning, does not influence the content of programmes.  “It depends on the individual, but we usually have people in training and then on air within four to six weeks,” says programming director Dannii Vallely.

To find out more about developing your own Access radio show visit the Community Radio Hamilton website at www.communityradio.co.nz