Radio Dungog upgrades studios and reception

THANKS to grants from the NSW State Government, 2DCR Radio Dungog 107.9FM is moving into new studios.

In addition, the community station is now being heard clearly by four times the number of listeners, with a new aerial located on Coorei Hill.

Reception has gone from being just in the town of Dungog and immediate surrounds, to Gresford, Tocal, Nooroo, Clarence Town and further.

Radio Dungog can now get information out quickly to many more people all around the shire.

For 12 years, Radio Dungog’s studio was located in a tiny booth behind the Dungog Visitors Centre.

But that poky little box is showing its age.

Staying in a building which was letting the rain and wildlife in just wasn’t sustainable.

So Radio Dungog now has not one, but two brand new, spacious studios.

They are situated in the Guide Hall at the Dungog Showground.

Getting the studios to this stage has taken two years.

The studio build cost $250,000, while the studio fit out took $120,000.

The final step is for the broadcast technicians to install new equipment in the studios.

The community will then be invited to come to a grand opening and open days in November.

Vice President Michael Beaumont said, “We’re here for the community.”

“It is important for the sound of the station and local voices to reflect the local community.”

The committee aims to get more locals involved, including young people.

New, more accessible studios, will allow school students and people considering changing careers, to get the experience needed for positions in further education and broadcasting.

One of the two studios will be used as a broadcast studio, while the other is used as a recording studio.

That means broadcasts and podcasts can be pre-recorded when convenient.

Whether they have a special hobby, an interesting story, or enjoy a genre of music, locals are encouraged to volunteer.

Training is supplied.

Contact Radio Dungog via Facebook, or email@radiodungog.org.

By Lisa WISEMAN