Tank FM now equipped to broadcast more frequently in the community

Macleay Valley community radio station Tank FM are thrilled with the purchase of a new Audio Codec device which will enable the station to be more responsive when there is need for an outdoor broadcast.

Tank FM Volunteer Ross Delaforce thanked the ETC Community Support Fund for a grant which had helped the station embrace the digital future.

“Prior to this we were fairly active in doing outside broadcasts, but it took almost 8 weeks to plan, and get the event up on air. Also we were quite limited to where we could be broadcasting from,” Mr Delaforce said.

“Whereas with this device, we’re more flexible and we can use mobile phone technology. This has taken away a lot of roadblocks for us.”

Mr Delaforce said the team at Tank FM strived to participate in as much community engagement as possible and was often approached by local organisations for help in covering their events.

“Now we can be more proactive in supporting them,” he said.

The Tank FM team is also currently building a second studio to mirror image the existing one.

“That will allow us to provide some training for the local community. We want to open up the station and invite anyone who is interested in media studies, to come and learn the ropes. Also to collaborate with the local schools,” Mr Delaforce said.

ETC Local Area Manager Shane Gill said it was a pleasure to be able to support Tank FM.

“The ETC Community Support Fund is designed to help organisations reduce disadvantage, generate opportunity, increase support services and/or build capacity in the communities in which we operate,” Mr Gill said.

“ETC is proud to be a not-for-profit company and we are confident the money we are donating will help make a more positive future for our community.”

If your community event needs help spreading the word, or if you are interested in the media training, contact the Tank FM team on 02 6562 8883 or drop into the new station in Kempsey’s Elbow Street.

ETC provides employment, training and business services. If you need help finding a job, are looking for staff or are interested in up-skilling, contact ETC.