Radio Midrand 93.8 FM

So that was 2008? Don't ever come back!

2008-12-24T09:52:00.009+02:00

With the most sincere heart, those of us here at Radio Midrand 93.8FM wish all our listeners only the very, very best for Christmas and the New Year. Thank you so much for being there for us. A further sincere thanks must go to those advertisers who helped lighten the burden.

It hasn't been easy getting this little station off the ground and the truly dedicated can be counted on one hand (whilst most other hands have been outstretched for palm creasing). Not easy for a non-profit organization trying to ascertain sustainability. Add to this the occasional greed infested delusional parasite who feels the right to try and create a personal nest egg on the voluntary hard work, blood, sweat, tears, and lest we forget, financial funding from others. And whilst we're still not out of the woods, 2009 is looking tremendously exciting for Radio Midrand 93.8FM with some serious big name pro's taking to the helm.

It must be emphasized that Radio Midrand 93.8FM is a station for the geographical community of Midrand and surrounds. In 2009, as a member of that community, if you have something you want to voice, voice it through us. Remember, 2009 is the year of your voice. Use it, and use it wisely!

It's Christmas eve and I think more so than ever before, I'm hearing people tell me just how sick to death of Christmas they are. There are naturally those that will always tell you that 'It's for the kids', and of course they are right, and I'm not about to wax lyrically about putting back the true meaning of Christmas, especially if you consider that according to the Bible, Christ was in fact born somewhere around March or April. However, here too the world needs to capitalize from your pocket by using a 'child appeal' fluffy tailed bunny to distract from the true meaning of Easter. Consider too that the word 'Easter' is a hand-me-down derived from a famous pagan witch named 'Esther'. (Christ and witches...? Gee... No prizes for guessing whose in charge in this world)

Yes, I'm sounding very cynical, but in truth, I really don't mean to be. I too would like to get caught up in the hype of Christmas, but this year I intend doing it for all the right reasons and meaning. For the first time in months and months, and who knows, perhaps in your case, years, I intend spending the day with my family and try not to reflect too much on what an unbelievably crappy year 2008 has been.

Eskom started the ball rolling with their 'load shedding' campaigns (and awarded their directorship with large salary increases), criminals simply continued to take a leaf from those in power (the circus antics of whom saw the demise of the President), the Prince of Clowns known as Bob up north still clinging to power (and receiving it free from South Africa), the tea cloth eastern oil gluttons held a $160.00 a barrel gun at our heads, petrol and food prices went through the roof, inflation soured, the world "super powers" (tongue-in-cheek) tried in vain to ward off a global recession that they had created and in fact were already living in, jobs were lost in the thousands... Do I need to go on?

It's said that that that (that's three "that's") doesn't kill you, can only make you stronger. Geez... I sure as hell hope so! Having put up with what we've had to handle in South Africa this year would define us as the strongest people on the planet! Still, would you want to live anywhere else?

Okay, so I'm cynical about Christmas, but I'm a big believer in second chances, and third and fourth and fifth and... It's for that reason that I do so enjoy New Year. The opportunity to put things behind and start again.

Let me end by saying that 2008 has kicked, punched and bruised us all, but we're still standing and together we always will. We've learned many lessons in the 'year-from-hell' which is why 2009 comes with a guarantee of being truly great!

It's easier said than done and I have often wanted to throttle those who have said it to me this year, but... hang in there. We're going to be okay!

God bless you and yours.

Scott

Condolences

2008-10-23T08:35:00.003+02:00

Radio Midrand 93.8FM would like to convey its most sincere condolences to Pierre and Alba Delport on the loss of their son Charl on Wednesday 22nd October.

Charl Delport was the primary guest co-host presenter of the Tuesday afternoon 'Careers Network' show on Radio Midrand between 15:15 and 15:45 each week.

The thoughts and prayers of those of us at Radio Midrand go out to the family as so do those of many in Midrand and beyond at the sudden taking of an immensely likeable young man.

What do YOU want...

2008-10-16T11:12:00.003+02:00

... to hear?

Using the 'Comments' link below this message, tell us what you want to hear on Radio Midrand, but before you answer, give thought to the following:

Since day one, Radio Midrand has, and continues to invite the community to contribute to its 'talk' content. An open invitation exists to charities and non-profit organizations to promote their cause/s free on air. Business has been made the same offer subject to the local advertising rates. We have for some days now been broadcasting the invitation to listeners to visit this blog and tell us what they would like to hear.

Do you have something of interest to tell Midrand?

Music? What will make Radio Midrand different to other stations? At present, Radio Midrand has adopted a primarily 'Classic Rock' format whilst adhering to more than the 40% SA local music content as required by law. This format has been taken due to the lack of classic rock songs played on both commercial and other community stations. Yet here too, our local music content is a little outdated, so where are the new artists? Here is a station offering YOU a platform.

It's virtually impossible to please to all the people all the time and there are already so many 'youth' appeal and 'adult contemporary' radio stations. So what do you want that will make 93.8FM different to the rest?

It's worth repeating that as a non-profit organization whose sole aim is to serve the people of this area, Radio Midrand can only survive on input from its community, so again, what do you want to hear? (Remember, click on 'Comments' below)

Peter strikes again...

2008-10-09T12:31:00.015+02:00

In light of yet another damning personal attack on myself by Midrand Reporter journalist Peter Ramothwala, I would like to publicly state on this blog that it truly saddens me that the long term standing relationship, developed over time between the fledgling Radio Midrand and the local weekly newspaper appears in tatters.

Over the past three years, Midrand Reporter has done much to assist me as the Founder and Project Manager of Radio Midrand in keeping the public aware of the station's application process and progress. To this end, I sincerely thank them, and with that in mind, I am stating that under no circumstances whatsoever am I or the station going to be drawn into a mud slinging match with people who I once regarded as friends. It is with a sincere heart too that if there be means to heal the rift, then show me the way.

It's the old cliche'... Life is too short.

Midrand Reporter did not afford me suitable opportunity to put over my side of the story and produce the documentation to prove the truth in the matter of Mr. Grant Shakoane and the Sunday presenters. Instead, they chose to take a one sided approach based on the false testimony of a few disgruntled individuals.

It could be argued that I should simply produce the documentation and prove who is right and who is wrong. This paperwork is freely available to whoever wants to see it, but out of a deep respect to Mr. Shakoane, I am not prepared to hang anyone out publicly in the manner in which I have been. What difference would it make anyhow? Ramothwala has proven constantly his inability to write the truth. It's only sensationalism that he's interested in. However, if he has a fraction of integrity, then I invite him to sit down in front of me face to face and let me show him the true facts and let him write as much accordingly. Further, Caxton Publications might want to consider making him do it in order to display their integrity, seeing as they saw it fit to allow Mr. Ramothwala use of their publication to springboard a personally attack against an individual.

Have I ever used the airwaves to slate Mr. Ramothwala or anyone else for that matter? Do you think I'm likely to?

There are now two media in town and Midrand Reporter has to learn to accept it. Midrand is a huge community and there is certainly room for both. One provides the news, the other entertains. Where's the problem?

As mature adults, both media need to sit down, have a cup of coffee and discuss how to formulate a collaboration and re-establish the once great working relationship they both had in the past for the betterment of the community. My hand of friendship is extended. Should Midrand Reporter not wish to extend theirs, then here's my other cheek... Take your best shot. I chose to put the station in Midrand, so best I roll with the punches.

Rumours of closure and financial lack at Radio Midrand are not true, but there have certainly been some scary moments and we're not out of the thick as yet. Radio Midrand is here and here to stay as long as the community and business get behind the station and allows it to serve the people of this area with the respect, dignity and hopefully the enjoyment they deserve.

God bless you.

Scott Smith

For the aging rocker in all of us!

2008-10-06T18:52:00.003+02:00

Coming up this week on Radio Midrand 93.8FM

2008-10-04T16:08:00.005+02:00

Society for Animals in Distress (SAID) - Every Monday afternoon between 3:15 and 3:45pm, the Society for Animals in Distress tell us about their workings and projects in the community of Midrand and beyond. Now in their 50th year, the passion and commitment to distressed animals of the area continues unabated.

(Radio Midrand is currently looking for a sponsor for this show. If interested, please call Jane on 082 561 4174)

Careers Network - This Tuesday and every Tuesday afternoon between 3:15 and 3:45pm, tune into the Careers Network.

Whether you are a junior or senior school learner, or simply looking to change job directions in your life, the Careers Network show is here to open your thinking as to ‘where-to-from-here?’

(Radio Midrand is currently looking for a sponsor for this show. If interested, please call Jane on 082 561 4174)

(Please visit http://www.careers4africa.co.za/)

The Medical Hour - This Tuesday and every Tuesday evening between 7 and 8pm, tune into the Medical Hour with Dr. Mike, sponsored by HealthWorx.

Should you have any broad based medical questions for Dr. Mike, please address them to radiomidrand(at)iafrica.com or fax to (011) 312-4337.

The Property Programme - This Saturday morning between 9 and 9.30, tune into the Property Programme sponsored by Rawson Properties of Midrand.

Whether you are a seasoned property investor, first-time buyer or seller, the Property Programme is here to inform you on possibly your greatest asset. Should you have any property related questions that you would like answered on the Property Programme, please email them to radiomidrand(at)iafrica.com or fax to (011) 312-4337.

(Please visit www.rawson.co.za/halfwaygardens or call Rawson Properties on (011) 805 3975)

Passion for broadcasting? Wanna be a deejay?

2008-06-17T16:34:00.008+02:00

"I have a passion for broadcasting!"

If I had a dollar for everytime that someone told me that, I would be one of the richest people on Earth. There are those I have said this to who look at me in stunned disbelief, but take 'passion' and stick it!

When we fall in love with someone, get engaged and get married, we define this as an act of 'passion' (although in some cases it might be also be referred to as 'madness'). After the honeymoon, the reality check called 'being married' kicks in and it's not long before you're picking up his dirty socks and underwear or he's trying to take a shower with your stockings and bras hanging up to dry over the shower curtain rail... Where's the 'passion' now?

I would be on the front cover of Forbes Richest even more so if I had a further dollar for every time someone said to me... "I wanna b da DJ!"

What the hell is a DJ? (aka. Deejay)

DJ is the acronym for 'disc jockey' and the terminology is best suited for one who spins records, plays CD's or MP3's etc in a night club environment. No disrespect to deejays; they do a grand job and I'm not sure I would be able to do what they do or with the energy associated therewith. Radio Midrand 93.8FM is not looking for 'DJ's', and that's because there is a huge difference between deejays and... 'Presenters'.

The next time you "...wanna b da dj", ask yourself this question... If, as will happen, a representative member of parliament was put on your show, or a specialist in the field of neuro surgery, or a clinical psycologist, a Ward Councillor...

Would you be able to hold down an intelligent conversation on air without embarressing yourself or the station?

The New Yardbirds are recognised as one of the greatest rock music groups of our times, but no one has ever heard of them. Be that the case, how can they be one of the greatest!? That's because the New Yardbirds was simply one of the first names of better known Led Zeppelin.

What's the point here?

Music knowledge. Plain and simple. Without it, please don't waste your time trying to get into radio.

Can't hold down a conversation? Again, please don't waste your time trying to get into radio.

Radio Midrand 93.8FM is a community broadcast service. Allow me to emphasize... "Community". How much do you really know about what's happening right on your own doorstep that you feel you can talk about that would appeal to a 'Community'? Not just the youth, or the rate payers, or the Bafana Bafana fans, or the social groups, or the elderly or the Eskom haters (like me). No... The 'Community'.

Still wanna b da dj?

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten 'Passion'. Let me get back to that now.

Using the marriage example again and 'passion' being the reason we got into it in the first place (don't get me wrong, I love being married and I adore my wife and family), what do we do when passion dies?

Come forth Lazarus!

That's right. In marriage, passion can be resurrected by...

...Creativity!

Radio is exactly the same thing! Passion dies but creativity lasts forever and like the same creativity that rekindles passion in marriage, it's the element that ensures that no one day is the same as the previous or the next. It's the substance that makes you want to stay on air day in and day out and enjoy every second of every minute that the opportunity allows.

Think, and change the word 'passion' in your vocabulary to 'creative'.

"Times up! Send in the next dj wannabe...!"

Advertising rates chart

2008-04-06T15:57:00.008+02:00

Did you know that as a one man, micro or small business, you can expose your products or services right across metropolitan Gauteng ten (10) times a week for as little as R450.00 excl. VAT?

Interested? Call Jane Hopkinson at Radio Midrand on (011) 651 8960 or 082 561 4174

Businesses or individuals legitimately interested in advertising or sponsoring on Midrand Community Radio 93.8FM Stereo, may request the advertising rates via email to radiomidrand(at)iafrica.com (address modified to prevent spambots)

Final meeting of interested parties

2008-03-17T10:44:00.005+02:00

The final meeting of parties / persons interested in Midrand Community Radio was held at Mimmos on Saturday afternoon, 15/03/2008. There have been several such informal meetings in the past whereby those with an interest in the station have been able to network amongst one another and propose where they feel they might be able to contribute.

These meetings have been held as a means of conveying information and retaining transparency to the public with regards the status of Midrand Community Radio 93.8FM

Now licensed, MCR 93.8FM will over the next couple of weeks, call upon some of those having attended these meetings to become further involved with the station.

Radio Midrand and the South African Police Services

2007-11-06T16:01:00.004+02:00

A point raised in the comments section (beneath the first message, Hello Midrand!) mentions the issue of crime in the Midrand area. Midrand is defined as the highest crime region in the country. What a reputation to have!

In its proposed programming, Radio Midrand 93.8FM has gone to great lengths to ensure that both the South African Police Services and the Community Police Forum are given adequate weekly programming in order to convey their message/s. Talking about it though simply isn't suffice. Listening to crime statistics, whilst all very interesting, isn't the answer. A pro-active community who heed the tips, take the advice and provide the eyes and ears needed by a very under-resourced service, will lighten the burden not only of the SAPS, but themselves as well.

As effective as the print media is in asking people to keep a vigil for certain persons or vehicles associated with crimes in the area etc, radio will alert the public far quicker. So quick in fact that descriptions of perpetrators and vehicles for example can be aired literally minutes after a serious criminal occurrence.

It could be argued that this might leave the station vulnerable to hoax calls, but the plans under discussion with the SAPS and the CPF is to establish a means of ensuring that the report to RM 93.8FM is authentic. It must be emphasized that this would appear to be the major pitfall with the concept. It has been said that the SAPS themselves are both too busy and short staffed to have someone actually liaise genuine reports to the station. (Any suggestions?)

These discussions are and will be on going, but consider this... If you were thinking of committing a crime in Midrand, would you be so quick to do so if the odds were good that you wouldn't get out of the area without a member of the public tipping off the police?

This issue is open to comment and opinion. We would really like to hear (read) your suggestions and ideas.

(All messages to this blog are compiled in the interest of public information and transparency. Comments, messages, suggestions and opinions expressed from readers are not necessarily shared by Radio Midrand 93.8FM or Midrand Community Communications)

Radio Midrand and Midrand Community Communications

2007-11-05T08:30:00.001+02:00

In order to fully appreciate and understand the purpose of Radio Midrand 93.8FM for the area, the station is administered and overseen by a nine member board representative of the community. As per the first message posting, this board was elected from individuals who responded via the constant newspaper articles and various public meetings. This body is known as Midrand Community Communications, and is registered with the Department of Social Development as a Non-profit organization.

Radio Midrand is the MCC's primary project and as such has structures in place to ensure that whilst overheads are met, all excess profit is pumped back into the community. Wishing to adopt an educational stance, these profits are to be predominently used for the development and upliftment of informal and lesser advantaged centres of education. Therein is the difference between Commercial and Community radio stations. The former generally serves its shareholders and/or investors. The latter serves its community.

Amongst the many goals for Radio Midrand is the opening of the doors that appear so tightly shut for potential new broadcasting talent. Many young people leaving school today may decide to pursue this field as a future career but become disillusioned with the lack of 'hands-on' and practical opportunity. Radio Midrand intends providing this outlet and certificating same, be it on-air, production, technical or engineering.

In a future message to this blog, I shall explain the proposed involvement on the station for schools, colleges and places of education, and just how these institutions will be invited to contribute significantly to the programming content.

(All messages to this blog are compiled in the interest of public information and transparency. Comments, messages, suggestions and opinions expressed from readers are not necessarily shared by Radio Midrand 93.8FM or Midrand Community Communications)

Hello Midrand!

2007-11-03T13:12:00.003+02:00

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the Radio Midrand 93.8FM internet blog site.

Created on Saturday November 3rd 2007, it is my sincere hope that this site will help keep you abreast of developments with Radio Midrand as its NPO affiliate, Midrand Community Communications, proposed staff and the community of Midrand await the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (ICASA) issuing of the licence granted back in April 2007.

I would encourage you to please leave messages and comments on this site. As patronizing as it may sound, South African community broadcast services belong to the communities they serve and it's therefore vital that we have your constant input in order to properly provide Midrand with programming that it really wants.

In order to provide a brief history of the station, the concept for Radio Midrand was born in July 2005. After lengthy consultation with ICASA and in accordance with its rules and regulations, through the print media, public attention was drawn to the concept of Midrand having its own radio station. From this, interested parties were invited to a series of public meetings.

On ICASA's advice in November 2006, plans were put in place for the fledgling station to conduct a Special Event 30 day broadcast.

Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of putting a team together was the establishment of a body that would oversee the running of the station. This body was formed as a Non-Profit Organization in compliance with ICASA's stipulations of being representative of the community in age, colour, gender and creed. In association with the South African National Blood Service, Radio Midrand first took to the air on May 3rd 2006 with a 30 day Special Event licence on 92.7FM. This would be the last time this frequency would be utilized for special event purposes before being permanently used by Talk Radio 702.

The month of May 2006 came and went in a flash, and no sooner had Radio Midrand aired, when the licence conditions were honoured and the station ceased broadcasting at midnight on May 31st.

Mission accomplished! Radio Midrand had impacted listeners and the support for its permanent being was overwhelming.

On June 8th 2006, ICASA called Radio Midrand and invited the entity to submit permanent application. From the surveys prior to, during and after the Radio Midrand/SANBS broadcast, over 99% of people in the region supported the idea of Midrand's own permanent radio broadcast service. On October 19th 2006, the permanent application, 25 pages short of 10 000, was submitted to ICASA.

In April 2007, ICASA gave written notification to Radio Midrand that its licence had been granted.

One may well ask then why the station isn't yet on air? Whilst complex in answer, the simple reply has to do with conflicting rules and regulations pertaining to old and new broadcasting acts. ICASA has gone to great lengths to try and resolve these issues and whilst the delays are seemingly frustrating to many, the wait is nearly over.

It's over to you now. Leave a message or comment on this blog (click above on 'New Post'). What programming content and music would you like to hear? How would you like to contribute? Tell us what you think, and more importantly, tell us what you want.

Scott Smith - Project Manager

(All messages to this blog are compiled in the interest of public information and transparency. Comments, messages, suggestions and opinions expressed from readers are not necessarily shared by Radio Midrand 93.8FM or Midrand Community Communications)