MOORABOOL community radio station Apple FM has no fears for its future despite the federal government threatening to take away $1.4 million in digital radio funding.
While Apple FM is lending its voice in support of 37 community digital stations facing an uncertain future, breakfast announcer Mark Philip said he did not expect FM services would eventually be shut down.
“There’s been no flagging of it from the government. I don’t think they’ll scrap AM or FM,” he said.
“To go digital costs a lot of money for new equipment and licensing; it would be a complete rebuild. It’s not like TV, where the analogue signal is switched off. Everything would fall over.”
He said Apple FM stayed afloat thanks to community support, sponsorship and government grants.
“Last year we got about $14,000 in grants, but it depends on the year, it depends on your needs. Last year we needed money for a new studio and equipment. A lot of hard work goes into fund-raising for this station.”
Representatives of Melton’s 979FM did not wish to comment.
