Bucketts Radio - The Future

Bucketts Radio – your local voice

Bucketts Radio is on the cusp of applying for its seventh consecutive annual Community Broadcasting Licence.

“We are at an exciting crossroads, where we take the next step-up in our development,” said Shayne Holstein, President of Bucketts Radio. “Currently we are broadcasting from the top of the Majestic Arcade in Church Street.  The signal requires upgrading to reach a larger audience from Barrington Tops to Stroud and plans for a tower on a higher point out of town are progressing.“

“We most certainly thank supporters, listeners, volunteers and sponsors for their continued backing that has enabled us to reach this stage.  With a new out of town self-sustaining tower there will be increased coverage, our advertising revenues should also increase.”

“The wider community and local businesses have been terrific in supporting Bucketts Radio.” Shayne continued.  “Local radio serves the local community, the station is run by local volunteers, it hosts work experience opportunities each year for a week and provides people with disabilities the possibility of being involved.  The station has come such a long way in the past seven years through the hard work of the volunteers, however, we still need funds as we grow, so we ask for your continued support.” Shayne concluded.

Upgrading the tower is envisioned to cost about $50,000 in order to be sustainable with solar and wind power.   Funding options are being looked at for this exciting project.

Sponsorship, membership and donations are vitally important to assist with the inevitable increase in fixed costs.  Bucketts Radio, your community station, requires a minimum of $12,000 per year to keep on air.

In the past there have been many improvements to programming, the studio and equipment. Recently, a grant from Community Broadcasting Foundation has allowed Bucketts Radio to promote the station better with new signage outside the Majestic Arcade and with bumper stickers.  Signage for entry points into town will soon be a fixture and promotional T-shirts are now available for sale.

Help can be provided to Bucketts Radio through a number of means including:  membership, sponsorship advertising, volunteering, donations, buying t-shirts or making a purchase from the bric-a-brac bay window at the studio in the Majestic Arcade.

An open meeting of Gloucester Broadcasters Association Inc will be held at the Gloucester Bowling Club on Thursday 16^th April at 7.00pm for 7.30pm, everyone is welcome so please come along and see the progress of your local radio station.  We look forward to meeting you.

Changes to Programming

There will be some changes to programme on Bucketts Radio over the next couple of weeks as we have two of our long running programmes finishing and some new programmes coming up.

'No Worries Radio' has been running for a number of years with Ty on a Monday and Friday morning from 7-9am.  Ty has finished up with his final live show on Monday 26th January and his final repeat show on Friday 30th January.  Ty will be back, however, in the school holidays.  Meanwhile, we will keep the 'No Worries Tunes' running in that time slot until we hear Ty live on the radio again.

Also finishing is 'Bubs & Mums Radio Hour'.  This program has been running for about 5 years but for the past year has been on autopilot.   "It's time for a change" says CaliMai, the creator of the show.  Children's stories, however, can still be heard on Marina's Mini Music on Wednesday afternoons 3 - 5pm.  CaliMai is planning to start a new show soon on a Monday afternoons.

If you have an idea for a radio programme and would like to give it a try, that's what community radio is all about.  Please contact the station on 6558 2400 or email support@buckettsradio.com.au.

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More improvements to Bucketts Radio studios

Bucketts Radio have been fortunate over the years to receive funding and donations-in-kind to help us improve our studios.  Holiday Coast Credit Union have provided funds to help soundproof the studio with more solid doors and accostic foam for the walls.  Bunnings Taree have donated carpet squares to help complete the carpeting job which was started by Ann and Steve Williams.

"There is still work to be done at our humble studios but we have come a long way." says President, Shayne Holstein.  "Members of the community and visitors to Gloucester are welcome to come and have a look at our studios in the Majestic Arcade, Church Street, Gloucester.  We welcome comments on how we can improve."

Community Broadcasting Foundation has also provided funds to help us replace our sign on the Majestic Arcade in Church Street.

Bucketts Radio Open Day

Ever wonder what it takes to become a radio announcer or what a radio station looks like and how it works?  Bucketts Radio will be having an OPEN DAY on Saturday 13th September 9am to 2pm so you can come and visit, receive a tour of the radio station, have a go at putting together a playlist, record an ID or try our simulation studio to see what it's like doing your own live radio show.  Come and meet some of the current and past announcers and give your ideas for improvements to the station.  Lucky door prize and other give aways will be happening on the day.

Media Training with Jim Sullivan

Bucketts Radio will be holding media training at the radio studio in the Majestic Arcade on
Saturday 23rd August starting at 2pm. Jim Sullivan, formerly of NBN, has kindly donated his
time and expertise to help our volunteers improve their media skills. The particular topics
he will be speaking on are: Effectively using your voice, Interviewing and News reading. Mr
Sullivan has over 40 years of experience in the media, starting out as a reporter and
documentary producer, then serving for 23 years as News Director at NBN Television.

His experience includes various forms of media including: print, radio, TV, and in advertising, PR
and journalism. Community service programmes he produced at NBN included Drive Alive,
and Project Restart - promoting CPR. Mr Sullivan retired from NBN in July 2007. He has
recently been serving the community at the Gloucester Great Lakes Rural Fire Service.

Bucketts Radio would also like to invite interested members of the community to come and
join the training with Mr Sullivan. Anyone who has interest in improving their skills or those
who have thought about becoming a volunteer announcer at Bucketts Radio are welcome.
This is a good opportunity to meet the crew at Bucketts Radio, introduce yourself, have a
look at the studio and see what it takes to become a radio announcer.

Cost of the training is only $5. Afternoon tea will be served and training materials supplied.
Places are limited so please book your spot and pay your fee by Friday 15th August. You can
register your interest or for more information, please email support@buckettsradio.com.au
or call 6558 2400.