WORLD RADIO DAY

Wendy Richards from Volunteering New Plymouth

Do you listen to Radio?
Do you know about Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM?
Who are they and what do they do?
Graham and I had the privilege of having Anne, the Programme Manager of Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM, as a guest on our Show (talking about World Radio Day) – Volly Voices which is aired on Sundays at 2pm.

Here are a few fun facts about World Radio Day – celebrated each year on February 13th.
Why that date, you ask – this is the date that UNESCO proclaimed to celebrate radio broadcasting, improve international cooperation among radio broadcasters and encourage decision-makers to create and provide access to information through radio including community radio.
February 13th was chosen because it is the day in 1946 that United Nations Radio was established.

World Radio Day is the occasion for an annual theme that focuses on something good that radio does for societies and for humanity. World Radio Day 2025 is dedicated to “Radio and Climate Change” - it celebrates the many opportunities that radio broadcasting brings for giving prominence to climate change issues.

Radio has been around in some shape since 1901 however the first broadcast in New Zealand began in 1921 and was initially a private activity. The government eventually took more control of the industry, but by the 1980s it had become largely private again

In New Zealand there are 12 independently operated community access media stations that are dedicated to all things community. Together, they form the Community Access Media Alliance (CAMA), that represents, promotes and advocates for access media in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Its mission is that everyone in New Zealand should have space in the media.
This is why if you listen to 104.4fm you will hear a diverse range of topics and voices.

I have always thought of Access Radio Taranaki as our local all year WOMAD – World of Music and Diversity. There could be a local programme talking about legal matters with The Law Lady, Angela Solomons. Or a music show hosted by our very own Graham, interviewer on Volly Voices, with his own show Rhodie Remembers. You can listen to stories for adults or children with Pick a Tale, by story teller and writer Lesley Dowding, or hear your own language, e.g. with Taringa in Māori & English or Ta Talano in Samoan. Sometimes you can listen to programmes from another of the 11 Access Media stations, such as Plains FM’s Paris S’eveille (in French), or Jazz Café from OAR FM. And there are so many in between - definitely worth a listen.

Access Radio Taranaki (ART) is a professionally operated radio station that invites volunteers to share their passions and interests via radio media. You, too, could be part of this great community of broadcasts. ART offers the opportunity to share your interest, have your voice and your language heard here and across the world, as the shows are available to listen to at anytime and anywhere.

Where can you learn more: If you are interested in learning more about Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM, listen to Access Radio on Sunday. This show is also available to listen on Spotify and Apple Podcast - to find these go to either Access Radio Taranaki website and these recordings can be found under Community or to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls.

Who can you contact: If you are curious to learn more and do not have access to the internet, then contact Wendy (Monday to Thursday) at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Email: admin@vnp.nz or Ph/Text 022 571 4228 for more information or call into the station at Shop 4 Top Town Cinema Complex, New Plymouth