Radiothon 2023: Stick With Us

RTRFM WANTS YOU TO ‘STICK WITH US’ DURING RADIOTHON 2023, THE STATION’S EPIC ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION AND DONATION DRIVE

RADIOTHON RUNS FROM AUG 11 – 20

Independent radio station RTRFM is preparing for its annual subscription drive, Radiothon. RTRFM will be calling on their loyal listeners from Boorloo and beyond to listen, subscribe and donate, helping to keep the station on the airwaves for many years to come.

Now in its 46th year, RTRFM is asking listeners to “Stick With Us” in 2023; a call out to listeners to continue supporting the station in any capacity that they can.  They can subscribe or donate at rtrfm.com.au

“RTRFM has been a beloved fixture of WA music, culture and community since 1977, and we fully intend to stick around for many more years to come,” says RTRFM General Manager Simon Miraudo.

“But that can only happen with the help of the very loyal RTRFM community. So we’re asking people to ‘stick with us’ and subscribe or donate whatever they can in 2023.”

Radiothon is an annual celebration of local arts, music and culture in which presenters and volunteers unite to work together and raise funds that are essential in keeping RTRFM on-air. Across ten days, Radiothon will feature special guests, huge giveaways and ultimately, incredible community spirit. Proceedings will be kicking off at 6am on Friday 11 August from The Bird with a live edition of Breakfast with Pam, followed by a massive party across four venues in Northbridge for RTRFM’s annual Radiothon Party on Saturday 12 August (tickets available via rtrfm.oztix.com.au).

The funds raised through subscriptions and donations play a vital role in covering essential expenses for RTRFM, such as licensing fees, presenter training fees, equipment and staffing costs that enable the station to continue broadcasting. During Radiothon, the funds raised are especially instrumental in supporting RTRFM’s renowned live music events, including the long-standing In the Pines event held at Somerville Auditorium (30 years and counting) and the Fremantle Winter Music Party. Gold Subscribers of the station enjoy the benefit of free entry to these events.

RTRFM strives to be a platform for under-represented and local voices. This year alone, RTRFM’s on-air music programming has been made up of 33% Australian acts and 18% WA based acts. More than 9700 WA songs have been playlisted by presenters since January–a figure that is unmatched by any other station. RTRFM is instrumental in supporting and showcasing local musicians and through raising funds RTRFM is able to continue this legacy. Additionally, RTRFM provides free training to many journalists and countless volunteer opportunities for individuals to gain skills while connecting with like-minded community members.

Those who subscribe to RTRFM during Radiothon go in the running to win a major prize, this year ranging from holiday getaways, dining vouchers, tickets to events all throughout the year and more. Subscriptions start at $30, and subscribers are eligible for exclusive benefits including free entry to events and discounts from our business supporters. You can also donate to the station, and donations greater than $2 are tax deductible (donations also put donors into the major prize draw twice). All those who contribute during Radiothon are eligible for ‘thank you’ gifts from partners, including The Bird, Bossman Coffee and Luna Palace Cinemas.

During Radiothon, participants have a unique opportunity to show their support for both local businesses and RTRFM in a single act. Community members can visit ten local bars, such as Astral Weeks, Bassendean Hotel, Naber, The Corner Dairy, and others, and enjoy a beer from one of their ‘karma kegs’, where a portion of each sale goes directly to RTRFM. Alternatively, for those keen on staying active and rejuvenating their bodies, The Yoga Alternative will be hosting an invigorating yoga class on August 15, 6pm at Cleaver Street. The class will feature an all WA music playlist, and all proceeds will be generously donated to RTRFM.

With Radiothon also comes the annual Radiothon Party, a four-venue, five-stage party across Northbridge. The station takes over The Rechabite (Main Hall, Goodwill Club, Hello Rooftop), The Bird, Astral Weeks and Ezra Pound on Saturday 12 August with some of the city’s best bands, DJs and crews. With more than 30 WA artists, the lineup includes Last Quokka, Nervous, Ningaloo Records, Anna Schneider and so many more. Tickets from rtrfm.oztix.com.au.

Radiothon 2023 runs from 11 – 20 August. You can subscribe or donate now at rtrfm.com.au and go in the running for the ‘Early Bird’ prize: a $500 voucher for Reid Cycles. RTRFM acknowledges the increasing cost of living pressure, and appreciates any amount of support, big or small.