Unleashing the power of student radio stations

Student Radio Network, a newly launched initiative aimed at unleashing the power of the student radio market, intends to bring in methods that will bridge the existing gap in getting access to airtime sales and barriers that prevents growth of student and community radio stations across the country.

Student Radio Network uses a one-contact point system that is intended to give students and community radio stations access to airtime sales and ensure that the allocated airtime is scheduled is followed correctly by the broadcasters.

"Viable and influential market"

Simone Kritzinger, MD for Student Radio Network, says, “Student-run stations are, and will forever remain, community radio stations. This however does not in any way mean that they have less potential than commercial stations. The loyalty of radio listenership has been what marketers sell and I believe the audience these stations have are not only the most loyal and niche, but an extremely viable and influential market.

“Student Radio Network is dedicating itself to these stations in order to provide them with the tools to not only get them to a professional broadcasting standard but also to allow national advertisers to tap into this market with a one point of contact.

“These stations have evolved enormously over the time they first went to air and continue to grow by reaching beyond students and into the metropolitan area they broadcast to. In some cases these stations have built a reputation of being the stepping stone for talented DJs to obtain the opportunity to be on the leading commercial stations. As in the cases of Gareth Cliff who began his career on Tuks FM and Tove Kane who was on RMR while studying at Rhodes, to name but two of the countless others,” says Kritzenger.

Professional manner

Student Radio Network is planning to ensure that all stations across the network act in a professional manner, with a fully experienced advisory service to the stations, making sure each station has the ability to live up to the mandate they were designed for.

Richard Perry, operations director adds, “Our role is simply to ensure our clients get the best coverage with the least effort. Our business is built on the fact that we are the only sales agency that has a vision of growing the stations, making sure they are fully compliant with broadcasting regulations and the principles that make radio great.”

“The role of community broadcasting is to uplift the community, not only with content, but financially as well. We aim to ensure stations meet the requirements set out by ICASA, which is ensuring a reserve fund for operations, technically sound equipment, funds for staffing and enough finance to grow their charitable positions within each community. We will begin our mission with the student community broadcasters,” concludes Perry.