The CBF team recently dropped by 4CRB for a station visit! Our CEO Jo, Board member Jurgen and Volunteer Manager Georgie, had the pleasure of catching up with station Executive Director, Colin Balewski and Broadcaster & Finance officer, Robyn Hyland to hear all about the exciting developments at the station.
4CRB is based on the Gold Coast, the traditional lands of the Yugambeh speaking peoples and part of the Bundjalung Nation. Broadcasting on 89.3FM and via global live-stream, the station’s programming features music from the 50s-70s, easy-listening hits, local news and interviews.
With the recent launch of Community Radio Plus, 4CRB has picked up quick steam in getting its listeners on board the live-stream app. The station has been particularly active in promoting how to listen via the app, which offers listeners more interactive tools to engage with the station. Following the tremendous success of their campaign, 4CRB now ranks as the most listened-to station (along with 4ZZZ) on the Community Radio Plus app!
4CRB has also been busy planning for the fast-changing road ahead, with the recent launch of digital radio (DAB+) on the Gold Coast. The extended audience reach of DAB+ and the station’s options for expanding its content offering on this additional broadcast channel has prompted many important reflections, including how it can meet the needs of people within their communities who have not previously been catered for. This has particularly transformed the station’s vision and thinking around the advantages of DAB+ and how it can service specific underserved communities such as ethnic and First Nations programming. The 4CRB team has already begun taking active steps to explore this, kick-starting consultations with their local Member and community, and exploring how CBF grants might be able to help. Early conversations have already begun to capture the interests of potential volunteers who are keen to get involved.
With its ever-evolving audience in mind which includes its long-time, loyal listeners in the senior community – 4CRB has recently updated its ACMA broadcast license to be able to service the general community interest at large, paving the way for its next evolutionary chapter. Congratulations 4CRB and we look forward to following your exciting progress!
[Photo: 4CRB Broadcaster & Finance officer Robyn Hyland, Station Executive Director Colin Balewski, CBF CEO Jo Curtin, CBF Volunteer Manager Georgie Boucher & CBF Board member Jurgen Shaub]