Nelson Mandela Bay-based community radio station IFM 88.3 recently launched its new studio which was sponsored by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA).
The radio station has relocated from its former studio at the Al Ansaar Building in Parkside to Standford Road in Korsten, where it boasts a spacious facility, which includes a state-of-the-art broadcasting and recording studio.
IFM 88.3 was established in 2003 by the Eastern Cape Muslim Broadcasting Association (ECMBA), initially operating with a special events licence, followed by a permanent licence more than 10 years ago.
According to Haroun Dolley, ECMBA chairperson, the studio has, until now, operated with makeshift equipment, which required a presenter and a technician to drive the broadcast.
“It is with complete delight and gratitude that we accept this modern facility from the MDDA today. Our listeners will benefit from superior broadcast quality from now on,” he said.
Dolley, an avid sportsman and community volunteer, has served community radio in Nelson Mandela Bay for more than 20 years. He said that IFM 88.3 prided itself in developing individuals that have an interest in broadcast journalism, technical and technological prowess and radio presenting.
“Many young people started their careers at IFM 88.3 and later moved on to achieve great success,” Dolley said.
IFM 88.3 is predominantly a talk radio format and its slogan, “Inform, Invite, Inspire,” forms the foundation of its programming, that covers a variety of current affairs topics and genres relevant to all age and gender groups.
Dolley further mentioned that the new studio provides an opportunity to encourage more youth to get involved in community radio.
“In addition to presenting, there are prospects in sales and marketing, public relations and other fields within media,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude towards the MDDA for granting the community of Nelson Mandela Bay the benefit of this donation. “The new facility instils a sense of pride in our employees and volunteers and we can now competitively assert ourselves as a player in the media space,” Dolley added.
Chief executive officer of the MDDA, Zukiswa Potye, said that the MDDA was proud to be a part of the realisation of the IFM 88.3’s dream of acquiring brand new studios.
“Funding is one of the central factors towards ensuring successful empowerment, sustainability and transformation of the community media sector. The MDDA funding process is realised through following compliant, cost-effective and transparent selection procedures, in-line with corporate governance principles and compliance with the agency’s legislative framework,” Potye said.
“We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with IFM 88.3, ensuring that the communities of South Africa have access to information.”
