Changes to Kowie FM
A statement from the new board of Kowie FM
KOWIE FM 99.0 community radio station founder, Robbie Blake, was voted chairman of the board for 2012/13 last Saturday, after the station's AGM last Thursday evening, which saw the previous board dissolved.
Blake was unanimously voted as chairman by new board members, Ncumisa Belle, Engela Neethling from EC Today (secretary), Hennie Marais from The Announcer (treasurer), Mandisa Mangweni, and Thando Mbuqe.
Robbie Blake |
Currently two of the station's shows are sponsored by the media – the mid-morning show from 9am to 12 noon is sponsored by Talk of the Town, while EC Today and Ndlambe Municipality are joint sponsors of The Drive Show in the afternoons from 3pm to 6pm.
Members of the board met with Kowie FM staff on Sunday, to inform them of the changes of the board and to address individual concerns and uncertainties. Blake also voiced his thanks to the current staff at Kowie FM for their commitment to the station, and for ensuring that during the transition programming is still aired.
"No changes to the current programme structure will take place within the next two weeks. Thereafter it will be up to the new station manager and the board to decide the way forward. The restructuring of the station business model will need to be studied to decide on the sustainability of the station that reaches its third anniversary in September,” said Blake.
Meanwhile, the 50/50 content played on Kowie FM, which over the past six months saw 50% gospel music, has been changed to the original Kowie FM format.
"Kowie FM will continue to air Christian music and gospel content, specifically on Sundays, as has been the case since the station opened,” said Blake.
"Other programming of religious interest will remain in place and specifically the popular program covering women's interest and Christian content during mid-week evening shows. The new board will not enforce religious content or views on either presenters or listeners. Equally, we will ensure that no offensive material and music is broadcast on Kowie FM.”
Blake said the new board would like to thank River Ministries for their input and support over the past months.
"They were instrumental in creating a lean core team of permanent staff supported by a range of volunteer staff, which has positioned the station requiring future projections of between R25 000 and R30 000 per month to run,” he said.
Blake also stressed the importance of the financial support of the loyal advertisers of the station, and thanked them for their continued support.
"If Kowie FM is to truly remain a community radio station, the continued financial support of business and the municipality is crucial to its survival. The station belongs to the community of Ndlambe, and it will be managed and run according to the region's needs,” he said.
