Access Manawatu 999AM: 10 Years On Air

Access Manawatu 999AM 10 Years On Air

Manawatu Standard

AIRWAVES: The broadcasters and supporters of Access Manawatu toast their first decade on air.
© SAM BAKER/Manawatu Standard.

Ten years on, and this radio station team hasn’t let anything get it down.

Supporters of community-run station Access Manawatu yesterday raised their glasses to a decade of bringing the “voice of the people” to Palmerston North.

In a speech at the festivities, station manager Fraser Greig said the station is a platform for the community voice to be heard.

“It’s a place to represent your views and values. It is here for you.”

He said enthusiastic people had worked hard at the station over the years, with a common purpose.

“Dedicated broadcasters consistently provide diverse, entertaining programming for the Manawatu, by the Manawatu.”

The NZ On Air-funded station was also celebrating the move into new premises on Broadway Ave, after years of being crammed into Queen Elizabeth college grounds.

Broadcaster Barrie Angland was there for the beginning – his first show went on air on December 11, 1997, three days after the opening.

“We wanted something right here in the Manawatu. It is not restricted, there are no commercial imperatives.

“People in the community have a voice, and need to tell their side of the story.”

When the station began there were more than 20 volunteers, donating time and records to the different shows, Mr Angland said.

He is keen for a return to those exhilarating days, and wants to see facilities improve.

“We’ve got to be careful new technology does not take over the station – you shouldn’t hear just music.

“It would be marvellous to see the day when we have a broadcaster in Feilding.”

Mr Grieg says he expects an FM frequency to be launched shortly.

© Manawatu Standard 01/01/2009.

This material remains © Fairfax New Zealand Limited and is only to be used for non-commercial personal or research use. Any other use requires permission of the copyright holder.

For a current list of all AM radio stations on air in New Zealand and around the Pacific including Access Manawatu 999AM visit our latest Pacific Asian Log Radio Guide.

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