Barberton Radio (BCR FM), which provided the community with exceptional service for 25 years, ceased operations on December 12, after its signal was suspended by Sentech due to payment failure.
On December 15, the station released a statement informing the public about the decision made by the South African broadcasting sector.
The station has in the past years kept the community and surrounding areas informed and entertained, and has provided job opportunities to many.
This station has produced well-known personalities and news anchors such as Carol Sanderson, Dorah Mabuza, Sindisiwe Mlangeni and Sipho Motsa, and DJs such as Sweet Mike, DJ Shabisto, Sihlabane Ndinisa, Sbukubukwane Lungile Mango, Mawethu M, Given Mathavela, Bigzill, Cheeseboy and many more.
According the newly appointed chairperson of the board, Qhawe Sam Jele, the station needs a minimum of R163 582.40 for it to operate as normal.
“We are in need of financial assistance and we would like to ask the public and business owners to assist us with getting back on air.”
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Jele said when the other board members and he were elected on November 26, they were not aware of the financial situation until the day Sentech interrupted their broadcasting.
“We made calls and we were informed of the outstanding funds, and we immediately had a meeting to discuss a way forward. We started by trying to convince the provider of electronic communications network services to reinstate us, however, it informed us that we needed to pay 25% of the
R654 329.60 debt owed, which was when they could start to consider allowing us back on air.
We did not have that amount. We then decided to release a press statement and inform the public.”
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He said they did not give up and are currently trying to raise funds.
“We have approached various stakeholders to assist us and we are urging those who are able to help the community station to do so.”
This local radio station is one of many community radio stations that are facing financial challenges.
The Voice of Hope FM had its signal suspended by Sentech too, due to lack of payment and other technical circumstances.
It released a statement on January 5, which it later removed from its Facebook page.
The station manager, Welcome Nkosi, said it is currently off-air because it cannot afford its transmission services anymore.
“At the moment we are trying to get our own transmitter so that we can transmit ourselves.”
According to him, they need funds and they would like to ask the public to help them get back on air.
For pledges and enquiries for BCR FM, contact the station manager, Cynthia Sambo, on 073 4463 071. For information on the Voice of Hope FM, contact Nkosi on 079 179 7901or 071 241 4080.
