AFTER 26 years of broadcasting a grace-filled message of hope to the community of Nelson Mandela Bay and surrounds, Christian community radio station, Kingfisher FM, looks to the future and is thrilled to announce the receipt of its new seven-year broadcasting licence, which came into effect on April 12.
In October 2020, ICASA announced that only two applicants out of 142 new licence applications nationwide had been successful in moving to the second phase of the licensing process.
Included in those was Kingfisher FM. To date it has taken 17 months for these two stations to receive their approved licensing from the broadcasting body.
“Kingfisher FM has been legally operating on a special events licence from ICASA over that period,” explained station manager, Michele Lourens.
“#AriseKingfisher, a campaign started in March 2020, was a call for listeners and community to send in letters and signatures of support to include in the ITP-R licence application to ICASA. A crowd-funding platform was launched as well as an on-air and social media campaign – this was well received and the station received overwhelming support,” Lourens said.
Operationally, the community station functions with a fraction of the staff to carry the load and is a training ground for those who aim to step into the media world.
“The Kingfisher FM staff contingent is a passionate group of stalwarts who push forward regardless – it’s all a matter of the servant heart. Kingfisher FM stands as a non-profit, service–oriented radio station that is solely owned and operated by the community,” Lourens said.
“The station finds itself in a strong position. The team has been proactive, believing in the station’s sustainability and relevance. This is achieved by producing compelling content, good governance, compliance, a community approach and a mandate to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Lourens concluded.
– ISSUED BY: KINGFISHER FM
