SYN-sational response to emergency fundraiser

SYN FM says it’s been truly overwhelmed by the public response to its emergency fundraiser, as it fights to keep its doors open amid tough financial times.

$45,000 dollars was raised in the first two weeks of the campaign to save the Melbourne youth community station, which helped launch the careers of Hamish & Andy, Jack Post, Belle Jackson and Ryan Shelton, to name just a few.

SYN’s Community Manager Laura Green tells Radio Today the community support has been incredible.

“To go from the devastating loss of critical grant funding and the reduction of our brilliant staff team to seeing our community of volunteers and listeners rally around us was awe-inspiring.”

“There have been some pretty epic highs and lows in the past month, but we just want to thank every single person who donated, no matter how small.”

“It has meant the world to see that love for what we do shine through at this turbulent time.

Green says the money raised so far has bought them some time.

“But we know that the next step is building back stronger like we were prior to Covid, which is when we started to feel these financial pressures.”

Green says the loss of the grant funding this year has compounded that.

“Ongoing support from our community will be an integral piece in that puzzle, as it is for every community radio station.”

While $45,000 was a huge step in the right direction – there’s a way to go yet.

“Given the state of grant funding and the economy in general, we’re aiming to double that figure to $90,000 by the end of the campaign on November 19,” says Green.

“Even if we reach that figure, we still need the support from funders who can help us be a sustainable station long-term, so we’re looking at as many options as possible right now that can help us do that.”

Earlier this month, SYN General Manager Ruby Smith jumped on air to share SYN’s emergency fundraiser with the 3RRR community (pictured above).

Green wants to give a special shout out to some of the artists and music agencies who’ve rallied to support the station.

“You’ll see more news about this soon, but for now I want to highlight the huge efforts from Ramona Sky to put on a fundraiser gig for us on November 4.”

“Check it out and join us for a boogie if you’re free on the night!”

Details on how to donate to SYN’s emergency fundraiser here.