Coronavirus crisis: Radiothon 2020 RTRFM 92.1 calls for help to keep station on air

The festivities are well under way for RTRFM 92.1’s annual subscription drive — one of the independent radio station’s most important ones to date.

Running from August 14 to 23, the annual fundraising week is a time of celebration with a serious mission.

At 6am this morning the Beaufort Street-based outfit officially opened its phone lines to loyal listeners keen to open their wallets to help keep the not-for-profit station on the airwaves for another year.

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Despite being one of Australia’s most respected and popular community broadcasters, RTRFM relies on listener generosity during Radiothon to generate 30 per cent of its annual income on an ordinary year.

However, this year the station has faced additional obstacles staying float with the pandemic threat taking a heavy toll on operations.

“The cancellation of our events like In The Pines, Fremantle Winter Music Festival and Neon Picnic, plus a 50 per cent drop in sponsorship through March and April, has meant the money we receive from Radiothon is double important,” acting general manager Chris Wheeldon said.

“We have been very lucky in that we have received a grant from Lotterywest which helps cover some of the losses, but not enough to do away with Radiothon completely and every bit that is donated means the station can prosper into the future.”

RTRFM presenters were forced to working from home during Perth’s COVID-19 lockdown.

Taking the studio home meant the community radio station’s hosts had to get creative in their efforts to keep it on air.

“We hope that throughout lockdown we were company for those who needed it and something of a respite from the constant barrage of bad news from around the world,” Mr Wheeldon said.

“It is such a small thing to do to to play a song that makes you dance but when things are looking so bad that three-minute song can completely change your day.

“Now is the time we ask our 300,000 plus listeners per month to jump on board and help us out however they can.

“If just 2 per cent of our listeners took out a concession subscription for $30 the target we set ourselves each Radiothon will be surpassed and nearly doubled.”

RTRFM brought back its Early Birds gig to get the party started in the wee hours this morning at Northbridge institution The Bird, marking its first gig since lockdown.

The epic Radiothon 2020: There’s No Stopping Us adventure will continue tonight as the station takes over Northbridge with a swag of local bands and performers playing across three venues from 7pm.

RTRFM 92.1’s Radiothon subscription drive runs from Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 23. Head to rtrfm.com.au for tickets, more information and to subscribe.