K¯apiti access radio station going strong
From storytellers to subjects – it’s a change of pace for Waikanae’s Coast Access Radio, which is to feature in a new book celebrating 12 access radio stations in New Zealand.
The book, written by the ‘‘grandfather of access radio’’, Dr Brian Pauling, will focus on the history of the community radio stations and the people who make the magic happen in houses throughout the country.
Coast Access first lit up the airwaves in the mid-90s, and remains an important voice for Ka¯piti and Horowhenua, manager Graeme Joyes said.
‘‘We’re here as a platform for local voices.’’
Access radio started operating when the government realised communities needed to be served by their own people.
The stations must provide programmes for, about, and from the community: included in the Coast Access programming is a show for Ka¯ piti’s gay community, a segment about sailing around the world, and a weekly art show by Mahara Gallery.
Anyone could have a timeslot
at the station, Joyes said. ‘‘Some people write and edit their show at home, others need help producing it. The common factor is a passion for something.’’
Programme manager Todd Zaner said access radio was about what’s going on outside the window ‘‘not what Donald Trump had for breakfast’’.
Although the programming skews towards an older demographic, sometimes a few surprises appeared, he said.
‘‘There are some interesting people hiding in the community.’’
Though the station’s oldest hosts are in their 80s, intern Eve Abernethy, 18, is flying the youth flag.
The teenager got into broadcasting while studying media at Ka¯ piti College. She now runs her own show, The Intern Hour, every Friday morning from 10am till noon.