Positive Societal Change - Plains FM96.9 Turns 30 But Looks 7.
Media entities come and go in these uncertain times but Canterbury’s only not-for-profit community access radio station
PLAINS FM 96.9 remains a constant and celebrates a milestone 30th Anniversary this week on a day that doesn’t exist –
February 29th!
Since 1988 tens of thousands of hours of local content has been created by Cantabrians covering both ordinary and
extraordinary aspects of everyday life, the challenges and successes. Myriad community organisations, niche interests,
diverse musical genres and a variety of languages have reflected Canterbury life on air and online in a way not heard
anywhere else.
Station Manager Nicki Reece has lead the organisation since 2007 and maintains the “by, for and about our local
community” ethos of the station has helped keep its focus on what’s important to Cantabrians. “That, and NZ on AIR, Rata
Foundation and CCC funding support, as well as an ability to adapt to changing technologies. People love to share their
interests, learn new skills and connect intimately with others about what’s important to them. Our content is as varied
as our society, which is what makes it so engaging as a medium” says Reece.
The station’s most popular online programme is The Alcoholics Anonymous Radio Show with statistics showing 16,800 online
hits so far this year. The programme Namaste Nepal supported by the small but active Nepalese community has produced 520
programmes over a ten year period and is the second most popular show online.
“And those are just 2 programmes out of 90 that are on air. We love sharing challenging, diverse content, celebrating
the lesser known and helping people open themselves up to new ideas and sounds. We’ve been providing the means to create
positive societal change for three decades now and that’s exactly what we’ll be celebrating on Saturday night!”
One hundred and twenty staff, Trustees and broadcasters are having a colourful Global Party on Saturday night with music
curated by the various programme making groups, dancers, spot prizes and an open mic for spontaneous contributions!