|
|
ICRfm addresses confusion over OBU
24.08.09
|
INISHOWEN Community
Radio has moved to clear up confusion about how and
when its Outside Broadcast Unit can be deployed.
Station manager Jim Doherty said the OBU was a
"resource for all" but could not be sent to events
without adequate notice and planning.
“Many community groups and event organisers think
it’s just a case of turning up and starting
broadcasting," he said. “But it’s not as simple as
that. Most events that people want us to broadcast
from are held at weekends, bank holidays or evenings
and it costs money to run the OBU. In an effort to
raise awareness of the types of events we can cover
and how the community can use the resource we’ve
drafted a policy that hopefully explains all that.” |
|
ICR is mostly funded by
grants, donations and fund-raising activities just
like other community groups around the country. "We
earn a minimal amount of our income from
advertising/programme sponsorship. Running a radio
station is an expensive activity and costs such as
libel insurance, employers and public liability
insurance, electricity to power transmission sites,
studios and offices, upgrading broadcast and office |
 |
equipment have to be
met annually," added Mr Doherty.
"Any additional costs put our financial resources
under pressure, especially now when extra revenue is
getting more difficult to find,” he said.
The OBU can be used for a variety of purposes such
as external broadcast training and programme-making
in places or communities that don’t have easy access
to the studios in Carndonagh. The main benefit of
the OBU is that ICRfm can broadcast live from
community events, festivals, public meetings and a
host of other events, helping bring them to a wider
audience and promote the events themselves. For more
information on the OBU and training, contact Jim
Doherty at the station on 074 9329105. |
|
