Not even a pandemic could stop RTRFM’s annual major subscription drive Radiothon and a local resident and presenter said a lot has been learnt despite the challenges.
Radiothon is the community radio station’s major fundraiser event, hosted over a 10-day period in August to encourage listeners to subscribe.
The Golden Apples of The Sun presenter on Sundays, Graeme Watson, has been living in Gosnells since 2003 and joined the RTRFM team as the general manager from 2009 to 2011.
Mr Watson said this year has brought many challenges but there is no stopping all the hard-working volunteers and staff that still made it all possible.
“Over the last few months, we’ve not been in the studio, people have been making radio from their bedrooms and lounge rooms with whatever equipment they could find, some people even made shows on their phones,” he said.
“I hope in a few years we’ll look back at this point and see it as a moment where we all embraced community.
“We’ve also learned lots of new skills, and creative solutions to challenges.”
The team has raised $332,407 and surpassed their $300,000 goal for this year.
Although it has been very different year for the non-for-profit community radio station, Mr Watson said Radiothon was essential for the station’s finances.
“It costs a lot of money to keep the CD players running and the lights on 24 hours a day, but it’s also a really amazing time where you see other presenters who you might not normally bump into, it’s a little like a Christmas gathering,” he said.
“The RTRFM family is not just the people on air, but also all the people who work behind the scenes, and all those regular listeners who listen every day, send emails, call up, and share their experiences.
“Over the years Radiothon has seen some famous people drop by, some crazy stunts and a lot of laughs.”
To subscribe or donate online visit rtrfm.com.au/radiothon-2020/or call 92609210.
