Matched funding leading Edge Radio into a new era

January 2, 2020

Hannah Rogers smiling in front of a stufio microphone

Edge Radio has welcomed new Station Manager, Hannah Rogers, thanks to matched grants from the Community Broadcasting Foundation and the University of Tasmania.

Edge Radio is a not-for-profit youth community radio station based in Hobart, Tasmania, that trains new media makers to produce a mix of music, entertainment, local news and information.

Matched funding gives community media and other organisations with similar values the opportunity to pool resources for the greater good.

The University of Tasmania’s Vice Chancellor, Rufus Black, says, “This is a fantastic outcome. I very much look forward to seeing the continued success of Edge Radio and to hearing more about the positive impacts it is having on our community both here at the University and more broadly on the Island.”

Hannah started with Edge as a volunteer in 2016 and received a grant to serve as the Youth Training Coordinator in 2018 while studying with the University.

“I’m now in a position to work on new partnerships, policy that matches our volunteers’ expectations, content projects for under-served communities, and generally taking Edge into its next phase.

“As a young woman I have the fairly rare opportunity to manage a media organisation. Access and equity are key principals of community radio and I hope to be an example for the young people I mentor for what a progressive media landscape can look like.”

“We have some exciting projects coming up such as a new internship in media and community work for multicultural young people, podcasting opportunities and Tassie music events.”

“Edge is all about telling the stories of real Tasmanians – our community is exciting and vibrant and now we can do even more for them.”

Rogers is optimistic about Edge’s future after a year that saw the station win national awards and strengthen partnerships in the community. “In October this year, we won two national awards at the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Awards with pretty much two dimes to rub together. I can’t image what we can do now that we have the time and can gather the resources to think big.”

Edge Radio has also received a digital license with support from the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia. This will ensure the voice of Hobart’s youth is included when radio goes digital.

Edge radio broadcasts to the greater Hobart area on 99.3fm, online at https://www.edgeradio.org.au/ and soon on DAB+ in Hobart.

Edge Radio received a Development & Operations grant through our quick response process, allowing community media organisations to apply for matched funding ideas in between grant rounds.