COMMUNITY broadcast station ‘ONE FM 98.5’ which is based in Shepparton, ran their “The Youth Matters Program” over the first week of the school holidays.
People aged between 12 and 25 took part in the unique learning experience, where they were given the opportunity to produce and record a radio program.
ONE FM trainers Diane Hunter and Jason Welsh said the opportunity for young adults to take part in the program was potentially a stepping stone for their career, a way to build confidence and have a say on matters relating to them and their peers.
“These young adults are at the age where they can have a say and have their voices heard. It is also a way to build the listening audience locally. Community radio is important and so is our youth of today,” said Diane.
Seventeen-year-old, Notre Dame College student, Cadence Verhoef was a program participant who said the experience has opened her eyes to the possibilities of having her voice heard within her community.
“I have a powerful desire to talk openly about issues such as homelessness in youth, drug abuse, family violence and all things ‘LGBT’ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender,)” said Cadence.
“I have also had friends luckily come out the other side of some of these serious issues, they need to be addressed and talking is a wonderful way to do that. I want to encourage others by telling stories and let people know, they can change their life, if they want to,” she added.
The ONE FM radio station’s broadcast coverage area extends to approximately 30 km from the Shepparton city centre, reaching Euroa, Nagambie, Benalla and other smaller regional towns surrounding Shepparton.
The recorded takes from the program will air within the next few months. To find out when you can tune in and listen, head the ONE FM Facebook page.
