13 December, 2007
Lost: blackout blows out historical recording
Audio from the RetroActive 30 hour special, broadcast from the Workingmen's Bowling Club in Newtown, could be lost
forever
*****
Thirty years of historical broadcasting disappeared in the blink of a blackout last weekend, as a suspected power surge
wiped out the recording of Radio Active 89FM’s historical RetroActive broadcast.
Radio Active was celebrating its 30th birthday by broadcasting a 30 hour continuous party, with each hour corresponding
with a year from Radio Active 89FM’s glorious history.
Two computers that were simultaneously recording the broadcast were affected by an apparent power problem, as they were
both reset at the same time. It is not known whether they were connected with the spate of blackouts and surges that
have plagued the Wellington CBD this week.
"It was some of the best radio that we’ve ever had on Radio Active and it was lost in the blink of a blackout,” said
station manager Dave Gibbons.
"We had two computers, one located all the way out in Houghton Bay and another at the station, and the problem
disconnected the feeds to the recording computers.
“Obviously we’re all pretty bummed out about this ‘cos the feedback about the 30 hour RetroActive broadcast has been off
the charts and it would be great to make that broadcast available for people who want to revisit their favourite hours
in pop history.
"Not only was the best alternative music from each year broadcast on RetroActive but we spiced it up with audio clip of
the grand moments of Radio Active, including office brawls, office sex, drunk DJs, angry announcers, historical stings
and the complete nutters that have contributed to Radio Active’s colourful history," he said
Radio Active 89FM is pleading for anyone who may have recorded even just parts of the broadcast to contact the station.
"Somewhere out there, someone may have recorded parts of the RetroActive broadcast, so we’re asking you to please step
forward, identify yourself and do us all a massive favour," said Mr Gibbons.
ENDS