5GTR FM is the call sign for Mount Gambier's Community Radio Station. South East Community Access Radio (SECAR) is the incorporated body that runs the station. During the early 1980's a few community members formed the founding group and sought expressions of interest from locals with an interest in supporting the project. In time, the project got the go-ahead and an application was submitted to the Australian Broadcasting Authority. The assigned broadcast frequency was 105.7 MHz.
The original studios of 5GTR FM were built in the Odeon Plaza in Commercial Street West, and our transmitter was located on the Mount Gambier Hospital, Lake Terrace. Following a few test broadcasts in late 1982 and early 1983, the official broadcasting of 5GTR FM commenced on July 1st, 1983. The station was officially opened by the Premier of SA, Mr John Bannon of September 19th, 1983. At the time, 5GTR FM was the only community radio station outside of the SA Metropolitan Area.
Following a move to the Caledonian Building on Penola Road in the late 80's, our studios again moved in the mid-1990's to our current home of 25 Alexander Street. This building was purchased with a Council loan and hundreds of hours were spent renovating the building, to construct studios, offices and to give the station a permanent home. Throughout this time the station has had highs and lows, but through it all, has remained here for the community. With the allocation of more licenses for Commercial and National Broadcasters coming into the region, we have been able to survive with the backing of the community and volunteers.
In December 2004, 5GTR FM changed its frequency, following a variation to the License Area Plan from the ABA. New antennae were purchased and erected at our transmission site to allow our broadcase on 100.1MHz. This change in LAP was done to allow another National service into our area, and to allocate a second community license, which was allocated to Rhema Radio, who had a temporary license for several years.
Our service on 100.1 FM officially began on December 10, 2004, and with an increase in broadcast power, we now have a clearer signal in our broadcast area where we previously had interference. 5GTR FM is live from our studios 7 days a week and for over 18 hours a day, where many other stations in this area are on a relay from a national hub, or a pre-recorded programme.
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5GTR FM is run by a Board of Managment with 12 voting members and one, non-voting Station Manager. 5GTR FM has over a dozen life members and around 150 financial members, with almost 50 presenters bringing community radio programmes to the people of Mount Gambier and surrounds.
Our local community comprises many different cultures and musical tastes, and we cater for as many of these as we can - something other forms of media are not able to do. 5GTR FM'S Programming includes Blues, Middle of the Road, Classical, Country, Metal, Indigenous, German, Italian, Dutch, World, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Golden Oldies from the 40's to 60's, and the current Top 40 chart. Requests and other public interaction with the on-air announcers is the greatest service we provide. No other station in Mount Gambier offers this service and from this, the presenter is able to guage an audience response.
A survey conducted in February 2003 by McGregor Tan Research, showed that 5GTR FM held a healthy 20% market share in Mount Gambier and surrounding districts. A national survey conducted in 2004 by McNair Ingenuity Research showed that Regional SA has a 26% market share (over the age of 15 years), but 5% of the market listen to Community Radio and the average listened listens for almost 10 hours per week. Community Radio is a real media and has great marketing potential for community groups and local businesses. A copy of this survey is found on this site for your reference.
If members of the community have an interest in presenting a programme on 5GTR FM, they are required to sign up as a financial member and undergo training at the station. Presenters must understanding the Broadcasting Code of Practice, and once ready, an on-air programme can be theirs'. 5GTR is always looking at improving our programme guide and the more we can offer our listeners and be part of our community the better.
Outside Broadcasts can be set up when required due to the recent purchase of new equipment. We have previously broadcast at the Carols By Candlelight, The Mount Gambier Show, The Christmas Parade and during Summer 2005/6, 5GTR broadcast live harness racing at each meeting.
5GTR FM has many success stories of announcers that have moved on to careers in commercial radio. This is demonstration of our quality traning processes and the facilities we have, in being able to allow people to excel in making a career out of a hobby. Three local Macquarie Radio announcers based in Mount Gambier are past 5GTR presenters, as are a number of presenters in Hamilton, Adelaide, Albury, Townsville and Charleville.
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