Save Edge Radio.

I have again taken a post straight from the Tasmanian Times. This is also important. Local independent radio is very important, if we lose stations like Edge Radio we have lost part of our voice.

I will post something that I have actually written myself tomorrow or possibly Monday. If you can help to Save Edge Radio could you please click onto any of the links provided in the post or attend the rally at Salamanca next week.

Edge Radio today launched its major survival campaign ‘Save Edge Radio’. The campaign calls on the Tasmanian community to help Tasmania’s only independent, youth, arts and culture focused broadcaster.
For the last seven years Edge Radio has made a significant contribution to the Tasmanian community with a unique focus on youth, arts and culture, but is now facing a dire financial situation and needs the local community’s help to survive.

Station Manager, Melanie Page, is confident that the Tasmanian community won’t allow Edge to disappear, but admits that the next few months will be critical.

“In the short-term, we have done all we can to reduce operating costs,” she said.

“We have made significant cuts to staff hours as well as hosting our first Radiothon to increase public awareness and to raise money.

“However, at this stage Edge Radio does not have the funds to continue broadcasting longer than the next few months, so we need to raise funds before the end of the financial year.

“Edge is financially viable as community radio station, but its dependence on sponsorship income and one-off grants results in budgetary fluctuations that impact on day-to-day operations,” says Page.

Edge Radio will continue to explore partnerships with State, Local and Federal Governments as well as the University of Tasmania, to secure ongoing core funding in order to ensure the station’s long-term viability.

This potential core funding along with current sponsorship will assist the station to keep broadcasting, but Edge needs the greater community to get behind the station and contribute financially. Edge Radio is a not-for-profit organisation that contributes over $20,000 per annum in the form of community service announcements and with a small dedicated staff and more than 100 volunteers and presenters it has grown into an important cultural asset.

“Edge is an important training ground for college and University students. It supports emerging bands and covers a number of Tasmanian events. Most importantly it also gives young people a voice of their own, which is priceless,” said Page.

The closure of Edge Radio would mean the loss of over 120 hours of locally produced content and a voice for numerous community and educational groups.
“One day we hope to be able to concentrate on making great radio and engaging more with the community, than trying to survive one week to the next and putting our energy into keeping the station afloat,” concludes Page.
Save Edge Radio will be officially launched at Salamanca Square on Saturday 29th May with a rally 11am – 1pm, encouraging the public to sign a petition which will be taken to Minister O’Byrne on Wed 2nd June.

To Save Edge Radio, log onto http://www.edgeradio.org.au/donations.php and make your tax-deductible donation before June 30th.

How You Can Help Save Edge Radio

Become a Supporter of Edge Radio
Head to http://www.edgeradio.org.au/supporter.php, pick your level of support, and sign up online using Paypal.

Make a Tax Deductible Donation Online
Alternatively, with the end of financial year creeping upon us, you might like to make a tax deductible donation here: http://www.edgeradio.org.au/donations.php

Sign the Save Edge Radio Petition Online
It’ll only take a minute of your time and if you can’t afford to become a Supporter or make a donation this is a great way of helping us.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saveedgeradio/

Save Edge Radio Rally
Where: Salamanca Square
When: Sat 29th May, 11am – 1pm
We need as many people as possible to come and show support.
Please wear a red t-shirt or bring a red balloon.