Durban Youth Radio in need of assistance
This NPO is a community radio station and is entirely self-funded.
Durban Youth Radio, known as DYR, broadcasts in the greater Durban metro on 105.1FM and online. Being an NPO and a community radio station, their mandate is to train local youth in broadcasting.
“To date over 22 of our volunteer trainees has moved into paid jobs and careers in commercial radio and media. We are entirely self-funded and over the last four years we’ve grown and moved to new studios in Florida Road and changed the station sound to create a new landscape for radio fans and music connoisseurs, challenging the prescribed radio formats that people are tired of,” said head of marketing and training, Kevin Minter-Brown.
“We rely mostly on private funding, with some revenue from advertising, but with very little going on right now, we could use all the help we can get to continue doing our important work. Our radio station plays incredible music – much of it not heard on any other radio stations and being the voice of an important new audience,” he said.
“Right now, due to the pandemic, we are behind in our rent and bills. Most of our advertising revenue came from Durban based businesses, many of whom are struggling themselves right now. We have been through countless challenges over the past five years while I have been at the station and we have overcome all of them.”
According to Minter-Brown DYR are big fans and supporters of rising Durban musicians, artists, performers, young entrepreneurs, charities and other notable causes. “While we are not in danger of closing, we are in a dire situation and in need of support from the community,” he said.
“DYR has become one of Durban’s most loved radio stations. Few people know that nobody at DYR receives a salary. Everybody who works or trains at DYR is a volunteer. Almost everyone on air is actually in constant training, readying themselves for a possible, hopeful career in the wonderful world of broadcasting,” said Minter-Brown who is also breakfast show host, where most staff get trained.
“We’ve also helped with the careers of countless young musicians, artists, actors, entrepreneurs and more with endless interviews with the people who are the future of this city that we love,” he added.
DYR has started a crowd-funding campaign to raise much-needed funds to keep the station afloat. All contributions will go towards administrative costs to help keep the studios open. To contribute to DYR’s campaign, visit www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/keep-dyr-on-air.
