RTRFM

Radio station


name = RTRFM
airdate =
frequency = 92.1 MHz FM
area = Perth
format = No formal playlist
owner = Community Radio
website = [http://rtrfm.com.au/ RTRFM website]

RTRFM (call sign: 6RTR) is a not-for-profit, community radio station based in Perth, Western Australia. It is self-funded, largely through listener subscription and fund-raising events, however it does carry some advertising material at a maximum of 5 mins per hour. It broadcasts 24 hours a day, on 92.1 in the FM band. The name RTRFM is a contraction of "aRTy Radio".

An estimated 96,000 listeners over the age of 15 regularly listen to RTRFM (approximately 8% of the 15+ population). The programming on RTRFM is diverse and broad, providing air time for local music, dance music, jazz, electronica, blues, classic rock, metal, indie/GLBTI news and issues and more.

History

The station that became RTRFM started off at the University of Western Australia. It was started on April 1, 1977, broadcasting with the callsign 6UWA. Shortly afterwards, Murdoch University got involved and the station's callsign was changed to 6UVS.

In November 1990, the UWA Senate decided to close down the radio station and transmission was terminated that night. 6UVS was off air for six months while negotiations between the University, volunteers at the station and the Australian Broadcasting Authority were carried out. A public hearing was held and it was determined that Universities Radio Ltd. (a joint company of UWA and Murdoch University) could become Arts Radio Ltd. with the callsign of 6RTR. The station remained based at UWA. Murdoch remained involved through the program Murdoch Magazine (later to become Morning Magazine).

In 2005, RTRFM moved from its old home in the Sanders Building at the University of Western Australia to its own premises on Beaufort Street in Mount Lawley, which is where it is located today.

Radiothon

RTRFM's major fundraiser is known a Radiothon. This is a 10 day celebration of all things RTRFM which incorporates a 10 day on-air campaign to encourage listeners to subscribe to the station and two massive local music events, the Radiothon Opening and Closing Parties. This year Radiothon is entitled Radiothon 2008: Turn it up! You can show your support for Perth's Sound Alternative by subscribing or donating on the Radiothon Hotline, [phone], or at www.rtrfm.com.au/subscribe

Programming

*Breakfast With Barr - Peter Barr presents an early morning variety show, 6am - 9am weekdays.
*Morning Magazine - Talks program, 9am - 12 noon weekdays.
*Out To Lunch - Specialist new music program covering many genres. 12 noon - 3pm weekdays.
*Full Frequency - Various facets of electronic music. 3pm - 5pm weekdays.
*Drivetime - taking you home, 5pm - 7pm weekdays.

Like many community radio stations, RTR has a very diverse and broad range of programs. Programming consists of 49 different programs which cover gay and lesbian issues, theatre organ music, jazz, music of the 60s and 70s, and specialist electronic music and guitar programs.

Each of the daily programs (Breakfast With Barr, Morning Magazine, Out To Lunch, Full Frequency and Drivetime) plus the Sunday Morning Coming Down program have a weekly album which is featured throughout their respective shows. A local independant feature album is also chosen to feature across all relevant RTR programming. Triple J employ a similar feature album system to help promote local and sponsored artists.

External links

* [http://www.rtrfm.com.au/ RTRFM Homepage]
* [http://www.rtrfm.com.au/listen Listen Online]