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RADIO OUTREACH

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Issue 9 - 30 June 2002

AIR 877 MEETING TO STRESS
Q & A AND DISCUSSION

We are looking forward to meeting Brian Wilson, Liaison Director of AIR 877 FM, on Wednesday evening. Brian tells us he is leaving plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Brian stresses that AIR is not seeking to swamp BLU. "Rather we want BLU to be strong - especially in those areas that we will not be covering," he says.

The agenda for Wednesday night will be simple - an overview of AIR, where the Katoomba service will be heading and the E2/Me2 factor.

"The latter is a very useful tool that I've presented at many conferences around the country," says Brian. "It is particularly useful for local businesses and attractions (and newspapers & radio stations!) as it helps people to define their markets and make their messages work harder.

"It also helps community groups leverage some equity in getting their message across."

AMRAP WEB SITE

The Australian Music Radio Airplay Project has its website up and running and it is definitely worth having a browse through it - it is full of useful information. Amrap services to local musicians and community radio presenters are outlined; there is a news page with info about satellite service music specials; info about grants; and other resources and links. Particularly useful is the recommended listening feature. Individual presenters can establish and maintain a web page for their program on the site - a boon for those who value publicity and listener feedback. The site address is:

www.amrap.org/

DDN WEB SITE COMING SOON

The Digital Delivery Network's Plaything website will be functioning very soon and will be worth exploring. More about this in future issues. The URL is: www.ddn.com.au

SPECIAL REPORT

GET WICKED ON THE MIC

On Saturday the second Get Wicked on the Mic one-day workshop was held at the Australian Film Television and Radio School in Sydney. James and Ken attended and gave us the following report.

There was a great roll up of community broadcasters from across Greater Sydney and as far away as Canberra and Goulburn at the Get Wicked on Mic workshop.

Steve Ahern (Head of Radio at the AFTRS and former manager of several ABC metro stations) welcomed us and asked why people become involved in community radio? His answer? Ego, enjoyment and giving something to your listeners and your community.

First up for us was Bob Hughes (a communications coach and public relations consultant who was ABC 702's Saturday morning announcer for ten years and has worked at numerous commercial stations) with the topic Discover Your Real Voice.

Bob said that his aim was to enlarge our options and open the spectrum of the way we communicate. The key is passion. Presenters in community radio can achieve "professional" standards. The difference between professional and non-professional presentation is: energy, flexibility and precision.

Bob took us through the elements of proper breathing techniques and demonstrated some simple breathing exercises to achieve voice resonance. He quoted Sandy Macgregor: "The difference between panic and excitement is the amount you breathe."

He demonstrated different microphone techniques for bringing light and colour into your voice. He gave us tips on reading on air - "lifting the words of the page" and "hitting peoples' ears".

He demonstrated the use of a high voice for visual description and a low voice for emotion. He presented ideas about pacing the reading of text and of allowing listeners to think "what's going to happen next?" in the pauses between sentences to keep it fresh.

Bob asked: Are we speaking into the mic or out of the radio? He suggested we speak "past the microphone" to improve the ambience surrounding our voices and improve the way we sound to our listeners.

He suggested we turn down our headphones so we project better; practice pronouncing every syllable when we speak on air; and avoid upward and downward inflections. He showed how to identify the "hot" words in sentences to assist in getting rid of repetitive or sing-song speech patterns.

Next up was Bianca Dye (Nova969 FM's breakfast announcer) whose approach to her topic Creating a Unique Program was deceptively wacky and humorous. Bianca stressed the importance of a clear and concise mission statement for your show and demonstrated techniques for filtering everything through it.

She emphasised the importance of knowing who "you" are on air and what it is makes you different from others; of finding out who your listeners are and making sure you know as much about them as you can.

She described how she is always prepping her show (making notes on her hand while out with her friends) - "it's a 24/7 activity."

Bianca uses a great deal of talkback and all calls are recorded and edited before going to air, a process she called "polishing the turd".

The examples she played were highly enlightening.

We were amazed at how hard Bianca works in the three-hour stint she does every morning on Nova, producing her show, answering and recording her own calls, then editing them before putting them to air. Her motto is: "Go hard and don't give up!"

Jan Forrester (trainer in news, current affairs and features presentation, journalist and broadcaster) took us through an enlightening simulated current affairs talkback OB to demonstrate interviewing skills.

The mission statement was simple: TO keep the community up to date with news and views; TO present informing interviews; and TO present entertaining talkback. The topic was: Should Australia increase its refugee intake? She took the selected program team through techniques for prepping the interviewer and for prepping listeners for a talkback subject.

The selected team did an excellent job and were afterwards evaluated by a panel. There was general consensus that the expression of personal opinions by the interviewer had been a turn-off factor; that there was a need to accept a wide range of views, even those you strongly disagree with; that reliable research is essential; that it was important to regularly refocus on the question so the debate remains on subject; that as a presenter in this situation you must remember you are part of a wider culture.

The message was to be in charge of the interview, which simply means taking responsibility for its successful outcome.

"Red" Redinbaugh (a Corporate Sales trainer and qualified workplace trainer) brought many years of experience to his topic Secrets of Successful Selling. What is the secret? There are no secrets.

In a highly entertaining way, Red outlined the process for selling non-tangibles (such as radio sponsorship) in the information age. He described techniques for ensuring you identify the most likely prospects ("fish where the fish are") and converting them into "qualified leads".

He presented ideas for dealing with conditions that may be placed on a sale or objections that may be raised by a potential client; for overcoming reluctance and uncertainty on the part of a potential sponsor and what to do if they have second thoughts.

He described the conditions necessary for making a sale, which is essentially that the client's need, the service offered and the cost have to be in balance. A run down of face-to-face sales presentation rounded out an informative session.

Lyn Richards (Manager, Volunteer School of Management, a national not-for-profit training organization) gave the most interesting and useful session of the day for us.

Lyn first clearly defined volunteering. Volunteer work must be a free choice, volunteers are not paid, they work only in not-for-profit organizations and services, and their volunteer work must benefit the community.

She then outlined the legal position of volunteers in relation to occupational health and safety, privacy and confidentially, discrimination, and insurance cover, alerting us to pitfalls and warning of possible repercussions of certain actions.

Volunteers and the organizations they work for have mutual responsibilities. Lyn outlined the rights of organizations as well as the rights of volunteers. These "rights" are a statement of the legal, ethical and moral duties of both the volunteer and the organization.

These were too extensive to include here but we will, in the near future, put these on the Friends of Community Radio web site.

Lyn stressed that organizations all over the country (community radio stations are amongst them) are in the process of working to improve their performance and are recognising that they function in an every-changing ethical and legal environment.

The final session for us was with Debbie Spillane (well-known sporting commentator, presently at ABC News Radio) who tackled on-air relationships.

Debbie said that when you have two presenters working together you need to know what they are doing that one presenter along cannot. The answer is that the interaction between them is interesting. You are not there just to laugh at each other's jokes or to talk to each other without consideration of the audience - this makes the audience feel like eavesdroppers. You must bounce off each other to work best.

Debbie pointed to a few other no-nos such as talking over each other and raising your voice to be heard over the other. She told some amusing anecdotes about working on air with some of her co-presenters. She described the importance of tic-tacing and body language in keeping a show on track. She had participants role-play several different kinds of on-air partnerships, with some amusing results. She said that an on-air relationship is like a poker game: you never play a card unless it is better then the one your partner has just played.

In addition, there were brief sessions where Jim Beatson described the changes occurring at the national satellite service and Paul Mason informed us of developments in the services provided by

AMRAP.

To sum up, we both felt a major flaw was that there was nothing on the alternative nature of community radio. It was all information that was useful and great to have but it tended to suggest that community radio is not much more than volunteer armatures trying their best to do the job of well-paid and highly-skilled professionals.

Perhaps the solution lies in having a greater involvement of experienced presenters from our own sector to balance the pros like Bianca, Debbie, Bob and the others. For example, we thought the most useful and informative session of the day was from Lynne Richards, the only presenter from a volunteer organization, the only presenter who seemed to be comfortably on everyone's wavelength.

The workshop was organised by Judy MacClallen, who did a

fantastic job of everything, including the catering, of the Community Media Association of Greater Sydney.

Issue 8 - 26 June 2002

FRANCIS DUTTON NEW 2BLU SECRETARY

Francis Dutton, elected to the position of Secretary at the May General Meeting pending clarification of the situation, has been confirmed in the position. The previously coopted Secretary who did not attend the meetings in February of May has resigned.

2BLU MEMBER COMMITTEES

At the General Meeting in May the membership of 2BLU 89.1 FM elected two committees.

The Privacy Committee is to draft a privacy policy for the station and welcomes input and suggestions from members of 2BLU and the local community. E-mail James at mail@everythingisnice.com

The Standing Orders Committee is to draft Standing Orders (or Code of Meeting Conduct) for the station and, likewise welcomes input from both members and the local community. E-mail Ken at ken_quinnel@hotmail.com

TRIBUTE TO MUSIC LEGEND

More than a dozen prominent Sydney and Blue Mountains performers are coming to Katoomba this Friday night to pay tribute to the great American folk singer Pete Seeger.

Pete Seeger, who turned 83 last month has been a major folk-music figure for more than 60 years. He formed the enormously popular 1950s folk quartet the Weavers and was a friend and singing associate of the legendary Woody Guthrie in the 1940s and then of Woody's son Arlo in the 1970s. He wrote such folk standards as If I Had A Hammer, Where Have All The Flowers Gone? and Little Boxes. His song Turn Turn Turn was a No. 1 hit for the Byrds in 1965.

Seeger is also well-known as a humanitarian, peace and environmental activist who ran foul of the right-wing political hysteria that swept America in the 1950s, was banned from American television for 16 years but survived to become a popular guest on Sesame Street, picking, strumming and quavering his way through the Golden Rule, still a resourceful and charming performer even in his seventies.

"Pete Seeger has been a big inspiration to me both musically and as a person," says tribute night organiser Louisiana Cash-Morley who will also be amongst the performers. In her persona as the Crazy Cajun, Louisiana presents 2BLU's Cajun Saturday Night on Saturday, 8.00 - 10.00 pm.

Louisiana is severely vision impaired and has over the years had many dozens of eye operations. "Pete's music has always helped me through those times, comforted me. So I wanted to pay a tribute to his music and to him as a person."

Amongst the performers are several of Australia's best-known folk singers such as Chris Kempster who will be performing with Alison Jones, Richard Mills whose voice speaks powerfully of his life experiences, the outstanding guitarist, singer and songwriter Jim Jarvis, and Maurie Mulheron who several years ago was musical director of a Pete Seeger tribute called One Word ... We! at the Woodforde Folk Festival.

Tom Bridges, leader and conductor of the Sydney Trade Union Choir will be singing with Diane Bridges; top bluegrass singer and guitarist Wayne Perry and the popular duo Margaret Walters and John Warner will also be there.

The diversity of talent is reflected in appearances by well-known Sydney and Blue Mountains folk singer John Hospodaryk, bush music identity Jim Dyer, and Tim Malfroy, one of the new generation of folk-rock artists, and the Blue Mountains Trade Union Choir.

"We're hoping that people will not only have a great night of music," says Louisiana. "We're hoping they will take away with them some of Pete Seeger's peace and love."

The big night is Friday 5th July at the Gearin Hotel in Katoomba starting at 7.00 pm.

WEB SITE & 2BLU PROGRAM GUIDE

Don't forget that there is a program guide of 2BLU programs on our web site http://bluemtsmedia.tripod.com

NEW PROGRAM ON 2BLU

A new specialist music program has started on 2BLU 89.1 FM. Reggae Fever is presented by David turner on Monday, 2.00 - 4.00 pm.

Issue 7 - 16 June 2002

ANOTHER WEEK IN PARADISE

Report on 2BLU's outside broadcasst from the World environment Day Festival at Springwood on Saturday

The English language is rich in words to describe the "outside broadcast" attempted by 2BLU on Saturday. Politeness dictates we restrict ourselves to phrases like "enormously disappointing", "ineptly coordinated" and "somewhat useless".

At midday on Saturday the 2BLU studio was deserted and the satellite service was on. The people who were supposed to make the crossover did not turn up. When someone finally arrived, the exercise was marred by long periods of dead air.

Hawkesbury Radio managed their end of things without a hitch - they are old hands at outside broadcasts (and without them it could not have even happened). It is no surprise that 2BLU's side of things suffered a few hitches. It is surprising, however, that those hitches were so calamitous.

The midday timeslot on Saturday is one of those mystery programs. It is entered in the program guide to give the impression that a community group is presenting a program. What in fact goes to air is the satellite service. Guess it looks good on grant applications.

Undoubtedly 2BLU management was propelled into action by the appearance of AIR-FM in Katoomba. After all the station had had the outside broadcasting equipment for 12 months. The broadcast on Saturday reflects the ineptitude that seems firmly entrenched in the 2BLU culture.

The basic problem is that this sudden bustle of activity is aimed more a case of keeping up appearances than actually serving the community and thereby helping to restore 2BLU's seriously damaged self-esteem.

And, the sad part is it is unlikely that any lesson has been learnt from this regrettable experience.

VALE - 2BLU PIONEER PATRICIA RAMSAY

Patricia Ramsay, a member of the founding committee of 2BLU and the station's first Secretary has died aged 92.

Patricia overcame polio as a teenager and in the 1930s was well known in Sydney as a model, broadcaster and actress. She spent much of her life in America and was married three time - first to the President of RKO Pictures, Ralph Doyle, then to Colonel Charles Kades, an associate of General Douglas Macarthur, and finally, to Ronald Ramsay, a grazier from central western NSW.

Patricia moved to the Blue Mountains in 1984 where she became involved with establishing 2BLU as well as broadcasting regularly on Manly-Warringah Community Radio. She was involved in several community action groups, including the struggle to stop the sale of the Queen Victoria Hospital to Longevity Management Systems.

Patricia came to the 2BLU studios last year for morning tea to commemorate 15 years since she first helped set up the station. She related a good story about 2BLU's first test transmission. A frantic flurry of activity preceded the commencement of the broadcast at 10.00 am on Saturday. Relieved that the station was finally on the air, it was decided to make a cup of tea. The electric jug was switched on. There was a loud bang and 2BLU was off the air again - five minutes after it started!

Her daughter Caroline Kades reports that Patricia died peacefully. She is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE DDN AT 2BLU?

Last November, in a blaze of publicity, the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia launched the Digital Delivery Network. The CBAA had a vision. The new system was going to revolutionise the ComRadSat service to community radio stations and become the delivery medium of new Australian music via the AMRAP distribution system. Generous grants for upgraded computer systems were handed out and the whole thing was expected to be up and running within a few months.

However, the CBAA obviously did not count on radio stations like 2BLU where management is asleep at the wheel. Sure, the station got its grant and purchased its DDN computer. The question is - when will it actually be operational? When will it actually be ready to do what is intended? Why does management think it is acceptable to put a notice on equipment saying it doesn't work and leave it at that for months on end? The irresponsibility of this management committee with taxpayer's money is simply staggering. You would think, with a censure motion by members hanging over their heads, they would be keen to clean up their act and get on with the business of running things with at least a modicum of decency.

Issue 6 - 10 June 2002

BRIAN WILSON OF AIR-FM GUEST SPEAKER AT
JULY FRIENDS' MEETING

Brian Wilson, Director and Liaison Director of AIR-FM (both voluntary positions), has accepted our invitation to speak at the Friends' meeting on Wednesday July 3 at 7.30 pm at the Katoomba Hotel in Parke Street, Katoomba.

With AIR-FM about to begin broadcasting in Katoomba (on frequency 87.7 MHz) this promises to be a timely and valuable opportunity to discuss the future of community radio in the Mountains.

As well as talking about AIR 877, it's plans and intentions for Katoomba Brian will speak about "the need to connect with the audience and the trend (reality?) of radio in our region, as well as briefly touching on the 'EII' factor ( E2= Emotion, Imagination, Intelligence)," he says.

AIR 876 has been broadcasting for just over a year in Penrith and the lower Mountains. "Principally, the AIR formula in the last 12 months has had to withstand a conversion from a community licence, head-to-head conflicts with the Australian Broadcasting Authority (which it won) as well as expanding the platform for the next wave of talented people to get a foot in the door," says Brian.

"Our efforts in feeding Macquarie, Southern Cross, National Radio News and other networks has seen the AIR/UWS 'graduates' snapped up into key positions in major network newsrooms, directing sports coverage, producing television and breaking ground in the print media.

"Rather than just a show and tell of what AIR/me/others have done, I think it should also be a time to explore/discover and action the dreams and desires of those attending and to look at the ways this can be done in the here and now.

"Of course we would love and welcome any input into AIR's 877 operations. Baseline is that we recognise, respect and encourage the fact that 2BLU also has an important role and if nothing else I would like to see people walk away understanding that radio in our region cannot afford to have islands."

Brian is a much sought-after speaker and it is quite a privilege to have him as our guest for an evening that promises to be topical, informative and entertaining. We encourage all supporters of the Friends of Community Radio to attend and promise there will be plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion in an informal atmosphere.

Issue 5 - 12 June 2002

CURIOUS MOMENTS FROM THE 2BLU GENERAL MEETING

There are always curious moments at 2BLU general meetings and the meeting on 25th May was no exception.

Brian Edmonds arrived late and made a speech that most found hard to follow. He said, basically, that he was not speaking on behalf of the Rural Fire Service (although he was wearing his uniform) and said that a community radio station like 2BLU had no role to play in keeping the community informed in the event of an emergency. He said the "official" radio station for information updates on fires was ABC 702. Nobody on the management committee disagreed with him or showed interest in discussing the issue.

It was not lost on those present that President in his report to the members made no mention of the imminent arrival of AIR 877 into the Katoomba area. AIR 877 rejects the view expressed by Brian Edmonds and tacitly supported by the 2BLU committee and distinguished itself in its coverage of the Christmas bushfire crisis when the "official" stations like 2WS and ABC 702 were caught napping. AIR routinely reports on all kinds of emergencies from highway blockages to cancelled sporting fixtures, not just the high-profile fires and storms.

The question this raises is, can 2BLU rise to the occasion and recognise the needs of the community it supposedly serves, or will it continue its drift into insignificance?

Another curious moment was the violent response of the President and Sponsorship Representative Daniel Soler to a question from Mike Botham about an associate of the management committee offering free sponsorships to local businesses. In a highly un-Presidential outburst, he threatened Mike with physical violence outside the meeting hall.

However, we can report that several supporters of the Friends of Community Radio who run businesses in the area have confirmed to us that they were offered free sponsorship on 2BLU.

The ethical deterioration at 2BLU continues with one ally of management openly touting for free meals on air.

'MUSIC ON RADIO' MEETING

Our Music on Radio meeting, with able MC Mike Botham, emphasised the important link between community radio and emerging new music and musicians.

Guest speaker John Kelly, a sound recording engineer, described ways of trouble-shooting sound mixes and making the suitable for radio air play.

Guest speaker James Glendenning who presents the National Rock and Blue Show on over 100 community radio stations via the ComRadSat service, spoke of the sheer amount of local new music that comes into his program as well as his experiences of listener feedback from HOT-FM in Mildura which goes out on the internet and takes local music to the whole world.

Francis Dutton gave some tips on preparing for an interview on community radio, especially the importance of understanding the interviewer's point of view and remembering you are actually talking to the audience who want yto hear about your work.

James Kilby and Brian Mackellar described their Nice Noize Demo Competition, the Winter Magic Bushing Competition and encouraged musicians to join 2BLU and ensure the new equipment the station has recently purchased is put to productive and creative use.

Ken Qu

innell described the new equipment that facilitates live outside broadcasts from gigs, digital location and studio recording, mixing and editing and emphasised that 2BLU was a station that was all potential and little reality at the moment.

One thing that became clear at the meeting was that 2BLU has a lot of work to do in convincing local musicians that it is a viable community broadcaster that can actually deliver a listening audience.

FRIENDS WEBSITE

With the continuing unwillingness or inability of 2BLU to produce a program guide or maintain a website with up-to-date program details, we have added a guide to program highlights on the Friend's website. Why not check it out right now and let us know if you are not satisfied with your listing? If you are not listed, give us the details by return and we'll add you in. Also, why not tell your listeners where they can find a list of the 2BLU's best programs - http://bluemtsmedia.tripod.com

WORLD RECORD SET AT 2MCR IN CAMPBELLTOWN

After 4 days 7 hours 14 minutes and 36 seconds, Community Radio DJ Matthew Fulton of has set a new milestone, beating the Guinness World Record for Longest Radio DJ Marathon by just over an hour in the studios of local radio station 2MCR.

After he finished at 7:14 pm on Wednesday night the 20-year-old was rushed home for a few days of recovery and relaxation. After starting at Noon on Saturday the local community support grew with constant onlookers visiting the studio and a huge audience to see him pass the old record mark of 4 days 6 hours 3 minutes 22 seconds.

During his marathon Matthew interviewed and was interviewed by a number of local and international celebrities during the marathon, including Rove McManus, H.G. Nelson, Ian Moss, Doug Mulray, Stuart Craney, Amanda Easton, Roger Lee, and a number of others. He kept to the basic format of the station, playing community content throughout the attempt.

2MCR's special interactive website was "overwhelmed with hits" during the world record attempt. Incidentally, 2MCR's website is worth looking at by everyone with an interest in community radio- these are people who really know how to run a community broadcasting station. Go to http://2mcr.org.au

Issue 4 - 2 June 2002

NEW STATION KATOOMBA STATION AIR 877 PLEDGES

CO-OPERATION WITH FRIENDS & WITH 2BLU-FM

A new station with an open narrowcasting licence will begin transmission in Katoomba within the next few weeks.

The station, owned and operated by AIR 876 of Penrith, will be broadcasting in stereo from a location in Katoomba Street. "Initially while we get the fibre optics connected at the studio, it will run independent of AIR but with live updates," says Brian Wilson of AIR 876. "Once we've got the fibre on, it still will run independent of AIR but will take some selected programs from AIR.

"We have the ability to process dual studios and to this end we will be looking to make the Katoomba site dynamic but we do not intend to cut across the specialised content that 2BLU runs. Please reassure your people that we are not seeking to go 'head to head' with 2BLU, quite the opposite actually, but rather provide what 2BLU is not equipped or skilled to do or does not wish to do. Hopefully this will make for a wider opportunity for local people," says Brian.

While AIR is a "commercial" station, it has a strong community charter, Brian says. "The charter at AIR is very much to adopt a spirit of unity amongst all western Sydney and Mountains stations. This is a really viable concept that works not only in a positive manner but also helps everyone to grow. After all what commercial station can 'park' an audience on an adjoining frequency while they do something else."

AIR 877 will be strong on publicising local entertainment venues and community information, including local gig guides, especially for local musicians for whom we have generated a great response in AIR's markets.

The station has extended an invitation to the Friends of Community Radio and its members to provide programming and we will hold a meeting about this amongst those interested in the near future. They are particularly interest getting into the frame the sort of community outreach programs that were discussed at the Friends' public meeting in April.

Should we put together such a program for AIR there will be plenty of technical back-up available to make it an exciting adventure for those of us used to the technical scantiness of 2BLU, where even a telephone interview is now impossible.

On the technical side Brian says, "Our spare STL links are being upgraded to make the longer hop to Katoomba and we are also putting in place an extra repeater for the off-air communications (we have UHF/VHF links from several cars and a couple of portables) as well as a local 'upload to air' access via DTMF mobile for some key people in the area."

"The traffic monitoring system that I've put in place at AIR also covers the mountains corridor and our scanners already cover ambulance, fire and police across the entire western region so it should be a good local service once all the connections are made. In some areas we could even look at dual channelling and providing some info packages to other stations if they wish.

Shenanigans continue at 2BLU:

Mike Botham has become the latest victim of management committee axe wielding and joins the swelling ranks of the unceremoniously dumped volunteers at the beleaguered station. Mike arrived to record the Community Notice Board on Saturday to find that the CNB DAT tapes had been removed from the studio.

It was later discovered that the management committee had recording it with a couple of their supporters using the mini-disk recorder. Of course, they failed to notify anyone or change the running sheets, or offer training to presenters who have not yet used the mini-disk equipment, so the CNB didn't go to air for several days.

Rich prize:

The Gearin Hotel has provided a $1000 first prize for the busking competition at the Winter Magic Festival that is organised by Colin Wilcox of Strangers in the Night (2BLU, Monday 10.00pm-midnight). Incidentally, the Gearin is once again becoming the premier affordable music venue in the upper mountains. The Busk-off will be on 22 June and you can get details from www.wintermagicfestival.com

2BLU publicity:

The Gazette last week carried a number of items referring to 2BLU. There were news items about Brian and James's Nice Noise Demo Comp, the Friend's Music on Radio meeting and DJ Pluto's (aka David Brickwood) Winter Magic event at the Gearin. The only sour note was 2BLU VP Ron Westbrook's erratic attack on the Gazette and one of its journalists in a Letter to the Editor.

2BLU program guide:

The decision of the management committee to declare war on the Gazette has cost the station dearly. Last year our local paper published the station's program guide 15 times, always prominently and with a photograph of one of the presenters. Let's put this in perspective. With a circulation of 34,200 copies, it means the Gazette not only printed more than half a million copies of the program guide but delivered them to every home in the mountains!

Milestone:

Ken Quinnell and Carl Harrison-Ford notched up their 500th program for 2BLU last week. Unfortunately, Carl was away from the mountains but Ken had a few 2BLU presenters and friends in the studio as guests to help celebrate the occasion.

2BLU member's discounts:

Another project axed by the present committee is the members discount scheme set up by Rosie Newling. There were initially 60 businesses involved, offering discounts and special deals to holders of 2BLU membership cards and many members were using the scheme. Rosie was intending to increase this to about 200 businesses by the end of this year. However, new members report that they have not been advised of the scheme and questions about it to management are not responded to.

2BLU web site:

The new 2BLU letterhead informs us that the 2BLU web site is "under construction". But, the station already has a website and Tom Oriti who designed and set up the existing site and was looking after it reports that he has been unable to get any information at all from management. Another volunteer dumped without notification or explanation.

Issue 3 - 27 May 2002

2BLU GENERAL MEETING RESULTS IN DEFERRED CENSURE MOTION

At the 2BLU General Meeting on Saturday a censure motion in the management committee was deferred until a special general meeting expected to be held prior to the Annual General Meeting.

Apart from an outburst by the President late in the afternoon, the three-hour meeting was a relatively civil affair with only about 23 members present.

The censure motion was as a result of a letter from the Director-General of the Department of Fair Trading, which made it clear that a document circulated at the meeting on 2 February was deliberately intended by the management committee to mislead members.

The motion is a Damocles sword hanging over the heads of management for the next three months. This was an entirely unforeseen outcome and one that is entirely justified although it is unfortunately not really in the best interests of 2BLU.

FRANCIS DUTTON ELECTED TO 2BLU MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Francis Dutton, a key member of the Friends of Community Radio, was elected to the management committee as assistant secretary with the proviso that he becomes secretary should the present secretary not wish to continue in that position.

The present secretary has been ill and unable to carry out his duties for some considerable time and nobody on the management committee could say whether he was interested in continuing in the position or not.

So, congratulations to Francis and good luck. Given the mood of the management committee at the conclusion of the meeting he'll need all the luck he can get hold of.

Other meeting news

The Child and Youth Access Policy was accepted although one clause concerning adult supervision of 13-16 year olds was referred back to the policy committee for legal advice and clarification of the insurance situation.

New committees elected: One will draft a set of Standing Orders (or Code of Meeting Procedure) for the station to provide guidance in the conduct of general meetings in the future and hopefully stop a lot of the disputes about procedure that have upset 2BLU meetings.

The other is to draw up a Privacy Policy. This is because of the installation of security video cameras throughout the 2BLU studio without prior consultation with the members and in the light of the inappropriate handling of personal information by the management committee in the past.

The Annual General Meeting will be brought forward to the earliest possible date - hopefully early August.

Sponsorship was still being offered free to selected businesses, it was alleged at the meeting and the management committee was instructed to immediately investigate and cease such practices.

Vitriol: (The dictionary defines vitriol as "the expression of bitter, deep-seated ill will, rancour".)

The Chair proposed a resolution that members put an end to the vitriol that has characterised the conduct of the station affairs for more than 18 months. Within minutes, however, the President flew into a vitriolic rage and became highly abusive and threatening towards some members. Good try.

Friends lauded?:

The President of 2BLU said the reason the station was not doing any publicity was that "you (the Friends of Community Radio) are doing it for us." However, some thought they detected a certain tone of sarcasm.

Congratulations to the Chair:

Many members present were extremely grateful to Helen Campbell, the station's Public Officer, for running the meeting so well. Good one, Helen.

Who wasn't there:

The Secretary (Paul Grigg), the Technical Coordinator (Bob Kemnitz), the Program Coordinator (Al Goodie), the Training Coordinator (Reay Andersson), and the Membership Officer (Bob Foster). No comment.

Intelligence

We hear on the grapevine that Lucinda's Punk-Ska CD compilation Skankin' will be ready for distribution next week. www.geocities.com/salubriousmelodies/

We also hear that 2BLU presenter Barry O'Sullivan's Jazz on Sunday has been accepted for national networking on the Community Broadcasting Satellite Service. Congratulations, Barry.

Issue 2 - 17 April 2002

FIRST REGULAR MEETING OF FRIENDS NEXT WEDNESDAY

Our first regular get together to discuss the outcomes of the Public Meeting will be next Wednesday at the Katoomba Hotel, Parke Street, Katoomba at 7.30pm in the upstairs meeting room. All are welcome.

The meeting was certainly charged with a positive energy. Virtually everyone present participated and the mood was one of restless excitement about the future.

The recurring issue was community outreach. The meeting was keen to see community radio overcome its present inertia and conservatism and become a vital and significant voice of the whole community.

Thanks go to John Ellison, who was keynote speaker, Matthew Graham, the Emergencies Services Officer at BMCC who spoke about the need for community radio to play a meaningful role in reporting on emergencies and Brian Wilson from AIR 876 in Penrith who sent a tape we played describing their success in keeping the community responsibly informed during the Christmas bushfires.

Mike Botham did a sterling job as MC and the panellists spoke effectively and entertainingly on a variety issues that need to be confronted if community radio in the Blue Mountains is to have a worthwhile future.

Paul Mannings spoke with great perception on the social and political responsibilities of community broadcasting and Nuala Cavanagh was very persuasive on the subject of womens participation in the medium. Antonia Beattie reminded us of the very significant role played by local business in supporting community broadcasting.

Two 15 year olds, Tom Oriti (who had his own show with his mate Josh Graham when they were only ten) and Chris Parkin gave impassioned pleas for recognition of the role young people can play in radio.

Phil Williams and Francis Dutton addressed the all-important role community broadcasting plays in the promotion of Australian music and local music in particular.

The public were mystified as we were about why the Friends were organising the meeting and not 2BLU, since community outreach was seen as a duty of any community broadcaster.

So what came out of the evening?

Well, one thing was clear - there is enthusiastic support in the community for the need to replace the simplistic, narrow and static view of community radio that we have at present with a dynamic, continually evolving and constantly challenging vision that engages the community and serves its perceived needs.

A more detailed report will follow soon.

Special thanks go to James Kilby, Brian Mackellar, Nuala Cavanagh and Ken Quinnell for the tremendous support they gave us with the organization of the meeting.

Here are the comments we have received in response to the meeting and the issues raised:

Diversity with tolerance please!

Outside broadcasting is a duty of any broadcaster.

2BLU must raise profile dramatically and initiate local awareness A.S.A.P.

Blanket distribution of membership forms through out local area particular business houses.

Increase in local music/arts whats on schedules (daily).

Community radio should provide training in all areasto supply trained personnel for the media industry.

Training at schools.

Use the BMCCs listing of community groups, clubs, and artists etc to advise them of community noticeboard; that programming time is available, that training is available. All organisations are fighting to maintain membership numbers and this provides opportunities to organisations to become part of the broader community and increase the profile of 2BLU.

2BLU needs to ask itself what is it that we do that people value? It is individual people who matter. They are the ones who create and sustain our community and culture and not the bureaucratic structures of somewhere like 2BLU that just supports the status quo.

A few years ago I tried to find out about how to advertise on the station as a young business and received no reply or response. I have only recently attempted to renew my efforts though have not actually done so. Thanks so much for such a positive and enthusiastic meeting and introduction to out local community radio station. I hope to have further involvement.

I would like to become more involved in 2BLU (community radio). If I could be informed about similar forums or events or workshops, it would be much appreciated. Thanks for this forum tonight, it was interesting and informative.

Garth McMurtrie writes: The meeting last night at the Community Centre ... It was an absolute breath of fresh air... it is certainly easy to loose sight of what we are here to achieve this helped me put into perspective what community radio is all about ... and how I can help to contribute to it ... As you are very much aware, there are some absolutely awesome people involved with this station and I just wish there is something that we can do to really get this show on the
road ... The organisers deserve a solid pat on the back for your efforts ... Mike Botham did a great job and the speakers really drove home their points. WELL DONE !!!!!

Ken Quinnell writes: What a great night last night was. Im proud to have been part of it and you have my 100% support. It was a clear message on the night that what community radio needs is constant review and change in order to meet changing community needs. This isnt just about change, but about evolution. Change and cycles of change are part of every community. Evolution means changing internally so as to be part of this change. This, of course, threatens the comfort zone of some people and makes them uncomfortable, even hostile. Eventually everyone will come to see the sense in putting the community back into community radio.

Issue 1 - 12 February 2002

Friends of Community Radio in the Blue Mountains was established at a meeting of concerned citizens in February 2002 to support and promote the ideals of democracy, accountability, consultation and community access and participation in community broadcasting.

CONCERN GROWS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF COMMUNITY RADIO IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

In a letter on 7^th February to the 2BLU committee MIKE BOTHAM expresses his concerns about their response to the general meetings

I was deeply saddened, although not in any way surprised, that you have chosen to interpret the result of last Saturday's Special General Meeting as a confirmation of the members confidence in the management committee as nothing could be further from the truth. The truth of the matter is that, had the Chair recognised the Meeting's desire for a SIMPLE MAJORITY to determine the outcome of the vote, as indicated by two of the three votes taken to resolve that question, then 2BLU would have, or would very soon be electing, a NEW MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. Once again your committee blatantly struts in the face of the Membership's wishes and places an inaccurate spin on what actually occurred.

This is part of the major problem with your chosen style of management that led to the motion to be put in the first instance and shows a gross inability to learn from your serious errors! As elected committee members you are required to SERVE the membership, not yourselves. You are required to be HONEST and TRANSPARENT in all of your duties and you are charged with the task of representing the Society in a manner that puts the organization in good stead within the wider community.

Sadly, your behaviour at last Saturday's meetings, and the statement released to the local press fall far short of your executive responsibilities. I therefore implore each of you to conduct yourselves in the manner that the MAJORITY of the membership expects of its management committee. Should this prove to be beyond your capabilities then choose to show you possess some small shred of moral fibre and RESIGN IMMEDIATELY for the common good of the Society. Written confirmation of your individual and collective undertaking to act appropriately, according to the members wishes, or resign should be forwarded to the above address by return mail. I eagerly await your written reply!

Mike was a member of the original steering committee that set up 2BLU and is a sustaining member.He reports that as yet there has been no response to his letter.

Pigeonholes

The pigeonholes in the corridor at the station are used to distribute mail, faxes, phone messages and e-mails coming in for individual presenters and are the method of distributing internal mail. They also permit presenters to communicate with each other.

Reports that the management committee is censoring the mail have alarmed presenters. The removal of material from presenters pigeonholes is an outrageous infringement of rights. Of course, complaints from presenters are at best ignored, at worst give rise to a torrent of abuse.

One thing is certain it wont stop.

Ken Quinnell responds to allegations

An allegation that I am responsible for bringing down successive management committees emerged at the general meeting on 2^nd February. I cant take all the credit for this!

I feel I should respond since the more ill-informed and credulous members of the Society often say this.

The best way for me to do this is historically, by looking at the past management committees and their performance. Lets go beck to where the rot set in the year 1997-98 when Alison Wilson was President. The audited accounts for the end of that year show the station had an operating deficit of $2000. Alison fell on her own sword and did not run for office the following year.

In 1998-99 saw Denis Styles as President and again a massive operating deficit of $2000 in the audited financial statements. Denis did not run for President again.

Roz Neiman was President in 1999-2000 and things got really bad at 2BLU. Although the operating deficit was cut to $500, this was achieved by dropping the news and winding back on equipment maintenance. There was another $1200 in debts undisclosed at the Annual General Meeting.

Presenter numbers had dwindled; there was no training and the station was teetering on the brink of oblivion. Worse for 2BLU, an offer from Integral Energy of a $1.2 million contract was lost. The contract was to produce their Energy Efficiency Show for national broadcasting. The contract went to another station. Even the $5200 annual agreement to take the show off the satellite had been lost. None of this was ever referred to the membership.

Aware that the station was failing, I placed a proposal before the management committee to engage the services of professional fundraisers to take over sponsorship and fundraising for us. These people had done a remarkable job for other community organizations including community radio stations. The management committee didnt act on the proposal but many months later put it to a general meeting where it was knocked back because, as Betty Chailvo put it, it is an insult to volunteers to employ to do what.

The question to ask is: How many years can a tiny station like 2BLU survive these irresponsible deficits?

Ken Quinnell is a Life Member of 2BLU and has served on the management committee numerous times over the past 15 years.