WELLINGTON: During the past month cities in both New Zealand and Japan in the Asia-Pacific region have been shattered by terrible earthquakes - and people have been reminded again how vital radio is to help survivors at these times.
Here at the Radio Heritage Foundation, a decision was made to put normal operations on hold and closely monitor radio services in Christchurch, New Zealand, after their killer quake on February 22.
Within a short time, it was concluded that existing services could not provide local news and welfare programs because they could not get to their studios [and still cannot a month later] or they had been destroyed.
Radio Heritage Foundation's response was to organise the only available mobile radio studio in the South Island to relocate to New Brighton in the hardest hit
eastern suburbs, and within 10 days of the idea, Radio New Brighton 102.1 FM was broadcasting live and local 24/7 to some shattered communities.
"I'm delighted our board members from Australia, USA and the Netherlands responded so fast to support this decision," said foundation chairman David Ricquish.
"I've just returned from a hectic 9 days there with Chris Diack from Classic Gold who shared our vision to bring a local radio station to these people and has pulled together a team of volunteers with Aaron Gardiner to bring hope back to people living in a city with a clouded future after some 20 percent of the population self-evacuated.
"It's a long way from researching, writing and publishing stories about other radio stations and people, the daily activities we do to preserve our heritage for future generations. But this time we've become part of the story ourselves, and we've been honored to do so.
"How long the station can continue we don't know. But with local community and business support, the city may have a new local voice as rebuilding lives, families and businesses slowly moves forward.
"In the meantime, our overheads have continued to grow, and we are now about 45 days behind in meeting these expenses. If you're able to help us get back on track before March 31, will you do so today?
"We need 22 people able to donate US$100 to bring us right up to date, or US$50 will cover one of those 45 days we're behind.
"Please use the donation button today at www.radioheritage.net and help secure our continued daily operations.
"There's a great connection between radio heritage and Radio New Brighton...in 1937, the original 3ZB was set up in the area and broadcast reassurance and welfare messages during the dark days of WWII...and in 2011, Radio New Brighton continues this tradition during these dark days post the killer earthquake of February 22.
"Radio has always served and will continue to do so, and your donation of US$100 or US$50 today will help us record these moments for future generations to understand.
"New Zealand residents who make a donation before March 31 are eligible for one-third tax refunds on donations - NZ$150 will be refunded NZ$50 for example."
www.radioheritage.net
Radio Heritage has 3 copies left of Keith Richardson's sold out book Never A Dull Moment including a fabulous CD of music, jingles and interviews from the early 1960s and the first 3 donations of US$150 or more will get the book and CD shipped worldwide for free as a thank you. Keith passed away a month ago and these are the final 3 copies of his book anywhere. - Radio Heritage Foundation/Pacific Media Watch
Pacific Media Watch
