Andre Sawenko: The joys and challenges of managing a community radio station

Andre Sawenko at South Coast FM. Image supplied.

Less than two weeks into his new role as Station Manager of South Coast FM, Andre Sawenko is literally already getting his hands dirty.

Taken on a tour across Victoria’s South Gippsland and the Bass Coast to visit the community station’s three radio transmission sites, a spot of garden maintenance was needed to gain access.

As you can see, Andre was only too happy to fire up the whipper snipper and get stuck in.

Taking on the job of managing a community radio station might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for the former Triple M technical producer, it felt like the perfect fit.

After seven years in the Northern Territory running his own media production business, Andre decided the time was right to explore new horizons.

“When the Radio Station Manager role popped up, it reignited the excitement I had from my early radio years,” he tells Radio Today.

“This was an opportunity to move into a new role in radio and give myself a new set of challenges.”

Keen for a job which offered more community involvement, the South Coast FM gig ticked all the boxes.

Andre knew from a very young age that he would one day work in radio.

“I have always been fascinated by media and have early childhood memories recording radio shows on a cassette recorder with my cousin.”

Born and raised in Central Australia, Andre spent his early years living between Alice Springs and the remote desert homelands of Utopia.

“My connection to country was established very early on and it’s something that I carry with me,” he says.

After completing studies in Audio Visual Technology at Melbourne’s RMIT, Andre pursued several careers in media, starting out in education and then moving into AV events Technology before shifting into video and content production as Head of Media Production for Penguin Books Australia.

It was around this time that his foray into radio began.

Andre spent seven years with Triple M, starting out as a Technical Assistant for the station’s football broadcast team and then being promoted to the role of Technical Producer.

“I loved the excitement and energy of broadcasting live across the country from the MCG during a huge Anzac Day or Grand Final match. That pressure and energy can become a bit of an addiction,” he smiles.

As someone who has long been passionate about community radio, Andre says he always makes a point of seeking out local community stations on the dial, wherever he might be.

“They’re a great barometer of their region and an important source of local news and information.”

Twelve years ago, Andre made a seachange.

He bought a house in the idyllic Victorian seaside town of Venus Bay – a half hour drive from South Coast FM’s Wonthaggi headquarters, and a place he first discovered through a housemate while he was living and working in Melbourne.

Andre says he was well and truly ready to leave the big smoke.

“After many years in the city I was desperate for somewhere more tranquil and connected to nature.”

“Since then, it’s been my place for respite and recharging.”

What does he hope to bring to the role of Station Manager?

“I would like to think that with my experience across the media sector, from film, television, remote and cultural projects to publishing and education, I can bring a different set of skills and a unique perspective to the role.”

Andre comes across as very much a ‘people person.’

Keen to make the station a base to hang out and share ideas, he encourages volunteers to drop by the office so he can get to know them, hear their stories and seek their feedback.

In terms of listenership, South Coast FM’s huge coverage area presents a challenge – stretching from the far eastern suburbs of Melbourne all the way to Wilson’s Promontory and Yarram.

For this reason, Andre says it’s vital to make sure the station stays visible and relevant in all towns and communities.

“We want every town to feel they are given equal opportunity to be a part of South Coast FM.”

For Andre, shining a light on local music and local artists is vital.

“One of the main reasons I listen to and got involved in community radio is to support and feature under-represented local artists.”

“In recent years we have seen a dramatic shift in the distribution of digital music, effectively making the selling of music economically non-viable for artists, relying almost entirely on performance fees or merchandise.”

“I believe it is South Coast FM’s obligation to support these artists in any way we can. They are the heart and soul of our communities.”

As for his future vision for the station, Andre sees huge potential for South Coast FM to increase its connection to local communities.

“We have a wonderful history of supporting local musicians and this is something I want to invest more time and resources into.”

Andre sees potential opportunities around emerging online and digital media projects.

“I will also be looking to increase our membership numbers by getting out and being active in every town that receives our broadcast.”