Independent radio station 4ZzZ has been blasting fresh local and underground music through Brisbane radios for over thirty years.
You can tune into 102.1fm to hear all styles of sound, most of which are ignored by mainstream media outlets, including indie, punk, rock, dancehall, reggae, noise, drum & bass, electronica and ska.
Unlike most other radio stations, their announcers (all unpaid volunteers) don't adhere to playlists - this means they play what they want to, when they want to. All that is implemented is a quota system, so they guarantee to play a significant amount of female, Australian, Brisbane and new music.
The station's motto is “agitate, educate, organise” and to that end they don't shy away from challenging the status quo. They do this by providing access for the community to radio, supporting local bands, artists and events, providing training for volunteers, and through dissemination of alternative news and current affairs.
Programs on 4ZzZ often cater to a specific group of listeners. Current programs include: The Anarchy Show, Jazz Show, Locked In - Prisoner's Show, Nothing But The Blues, Rock 'n Roll Show, Punk Rock Show, Eco Radio, Queer Radio, Dykes on Mikes, SkaTrek, Movie Show, New Zealand Show, Locals Only, Aussie Bar-B-Que, The Youth Show (Bananas in da Hood), Electronic Goodness, Dark Essence (Dark wave), The Funk, Subterranea (Garage Rock), Mirador, The Yard, Brisbane Line, Art to Lunch, World-beat, Megaherz, Hell Metal and The Method.
Although they don't have to pay large commercial licensing fees or large salary bills, they still incur all the running costs of any radio station, commercial or community. All their fundraising is done independently.
Subscription drive
The survival of 4ZzZ depends on support from the community, with subscriptions being the largest part of the station’s income.
Radiothon is 4ZzZ’s subscription drive, and it begins on Friday 8 August.
It’s a chance for new and old subscribers to support 4ZzZ and their favourite shows, while also having the chance to win some amazing prizes.
Prizes this year include gold passes to various Brisbane venues, music and clothing vouchers, special prizes for bands and artists, a double pass to Woodford, and one subscriber will win a trip for two to Vietnam.
There are subscription deals for everyone of any age including two new categories this year for under 18’s and community groups. Payments can be made in person or by credit card over the phone.
To attend Radiothon all you have to do is listen to 4ZzZ during August and when you feel compelled (and you will!) lift up the phone and dial 3252 1555 and pledge a subscription.
Once you have pledged your support you can go into the station in Fortitude Valley and hand over the cash. In return you’ll get a cool CD and you'll go into the prize draw.
For more information, listen to 4ZzZ on 102.2fm, call 3252 1555 or visit the 4ZzZ website.
