Connect FM Radiothon gets underway

South Australian community station Connect FM kicks off its annual Radiothon today.

Money raised will go towards maintaining services and upgrading vital equipment at the station, which services the Bordertown, Keith and Naracoorte areas.

Connect FM Managing Director Sardia ‘Scad’ Kakoschke says this year, the primary focus is repairing the station’s transmitter sites, especially the one in Bordertown, which needs urgent attention.

“Currently, we can broadcast thanks to the incredible team at Broadcast Components , who have kindly lent us equipment —first for the Naracoorte transmitter issues (now resolved) and, as of January this year, for the Bordertown transmitter.”

“Without their support, we would be unable to transmit on any of our frequencies, as the Bordertown transmitter is the main source for signals to Naracoorte and Keith.”

Scad says every dollar raised brings Connect FM closer to implementing essential improvements that will significantly reduce service interruptions and prevent broadcasting issues.

“Once we achieve our goal for Bordertown, we will shift our focus to the Keith transmitter, which also requires extensive work.”

Wrapping up on Friday afternoon, Scad says the annual fundraiser will go a long way towards preventing any disruptions that could take the station off the air on 106.1 Bordertown, 104.5 Keith and 89.7 Naracoorte.

Founded by local farmer Gordon Coad in the mid 1980s and previously known as 5TCB, the station officially rebranded to Connect FM in 2023.

In recent years, the station approached the Tatiara District Council for a loan and grant to undertake a complete upgrade of electronics, networking and cabling, whilst members of the local community rolled up up their sleeves to complete extensive renovations and rebuilds.

This week’s Connect FM Radiothon will see special guests on the local airwaves, with plenty of prizes up for grabs. Donate here.