Radiothon 2022: Keep It Locked

RTRFM WANTS YOU TO ‘KEEP IT LOCKED’ DURING RADIOTHON 2022, THE STATION’S EPIC ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION AND DONATION DRIVE

RADIOTHON RUNS FROM AUG 5 – 14

Community-supported radio station RTRFM is gearing up for its all-important subscription and donation drive Radiothon, calling on the people of Perth to give generously in the station’s 45th year on the airwaves.

This year’s Radiothon theme is “keep it locked”, a shout-out to presenters’ preferred sign-off and a nod to the fact that RTRFM has been a beloved fixture of WA music, culture and community since 1977, with plans to stick around for many years to come.

However, if listeners want to “keep it locked” to RTRFM for another 45 years, they’ll need to dig deep during its annual Radiothon and contribute by subscribing or donating.

“This has been one of the most special, celebratory years in RTRFM’s history, with our big birthday bash in Fremantle back in February, and the massive ‘45 Greatest WA Songs’ countdown in April—our most ‘listened to’ day of radio, ever,” says RTRFM General Manager Simon Miraudo.

“However, every year has its challenges—this is still community radio after all—including the postponement of our In the Pines fundraiser from April to September due to the COVID outbreak in WA, and the ongoing costs of regular maintenance to keep our humble studios humming.

“But even after 45 years, RTRFM is feeling fresh and ready for whatever the future holds. We just need the financial support of our listeners to ensure we can keep sharing alternative music, platforming local voices and putting on the live events you love.”

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Radiothon is an annual celebration in which presenters and volunteers work together to raise funds that are instrumental in keeping RTRFM on the air. It’s a 10-day on-air takeover with special guests, huge giveaways and amazing community spirit. Proceedings kick off with a free daytime dance at The Bird from 6am on Friday 5 August during Breakfast With Taylah, and a city-spanning Radiothon Party on Saturday 6 August (tickets available via rtrfm.oztix.com.au).

Money raised via subscriptions and donations go towards essential costs such as licencing fees that allow RTRFM to keep broadcasting and even DJ deck-maintenance (otherwise, no Full Frequency!).

Funds raised during Radiothon particularly help RTRFM put on popular live music events, including In the Pines (held 29 years running at Somerville Auditorium) and Fremantle Winter Music Party—both free to enter for Gold Subscribers of the station.

In the last year, RTRFM has also hosted numerous free cultural events for the community, such as Neon Picnic at Hyde Park, as well as thousands of hours of radio. It also recently launched its Disability Inclusion Plan, proving that even after 45 years, the station is still looking ahead to see how it can improve and provide better accessibility for more members of our community.

RTRFM plays 6,721 hours of music per year, primarily curated by volunteer presenters across 50 specialty shows. In 2021, 67 of the top 100 songs played over the year were from Western Australia—a figure that is unmatched by any other station. RTRFM also provides free training to dozens of young journalists, while also being a hub of contact for those in Perth seeking like-minded souls in the community. In 2021, RTRFM broke an industry record by receiving 10 nominations at the Community Broadcasting Association’s Community Radio Awards, winning a leading six prizes at the ceremony.

Those who subscribe to RTRFM during Radiothon go in the running to win a major prize, this year ranging from year-long music venue passes to holiday getaways. 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. All those who contribute during Radiothon are eligible for ‘thank you’ gifts from partners, including Besk, Bossman Coffee and Luna Palace Cinemas.

With Radiothon also comes the annual Radiothon Party, a three-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 6 August with some of the city’s best bands, DJs and crews. Tickets from rtrfm.oztix.com.au.

Radiothon 2022 runs from 5 – 14 August. You can subscribe or donate now at rtrfm.com.au and go in the running for the ‘Early Bird’ prize: a 12-seat suite to a sporting event at the RAC Arena.