2XX community radio is calling for Canberra's support

2XX Community radio is calling for your support with their annual subscription drive, asking Canberrans to support their volunteer-led and community-inspired content.

2XX is a not-for-profit radio station that exists to give a voice to the Canberra community. Starting out as Radio ANU in 1973, 2XX was one of the first community radio stations in Australia, with a long and colourful history in local community and culture.

Today, over 100 local volunteers make more than 80 hours of home-grown, independent radio each week, including 24 music shows, 22 multicultural programs, and 14 current affairs and entertainment programs.

Music director Laura (also known as DJ Loz) says she loves community radio because it provides an alternative voice.

“Programs that wouldn’t receive airplay in the mainstream can find a place within community radio,” she says.

“Artists that would not receive vital exposure and airtime on mainstream radio have a platform to be heard.

“Foreign language programs that provide an essential connection to communities, programs about social issues, politics, the environment, local entertainment and Canberra bands, movies … all can be found here!

“I love the fact that there are always opportunities for the community to become involved.”

The station is also a long-running vital community platform. This year, in-depth discussion from local voices were broadcast around a range of issues including Anti-Poverty Week and the Global Climate Strike.

Staying true to its strong roots in the local music and arts scenes, 2XX also plays a full weekday afternoon of local and independent Australian music.

“We give a huge chunk of airtime to local Canberra music, and another huge chunk to Australian bands,” says Laura.

“I think community radio gets a little taken for granted. People assume it will always be there. What they don’t realise, however, is that we have extremely limited funding, and we also rely on the public for financial support by subscribing.

“As independent media, 2XX depends on community support to keep going, and subscribing has been a long-running tradition for 2XX supporters to stay involved,” Laura explains.

Laura says that the station works with a skeleton staff, and a network of amazing volunteers, but must also need cover costs.

“Without community radio, so many artists, group organisations, and the listener would lose access to a platform that allows the voices of the community to be heard,” she says.

“By subscribing, you support us which allows us to keep those community voices on the air, not to mention the excellent music!”

Subscribers pay a small amount each year ($25 concession / $50 waged) and in return get exclusive offers and subscriber discounts.

As part of the subscription drive, there are prizes to be won and giveaways will be drawn each day until 19 December.

2XX broadcasts on 98.3 FM. To support their subscription drive, visit Radio 2XX.

Original Article published by Jessica Beange on The RiotACT.