music
USQ PHOENIX RADIO
Contrary to the song, video did not kill the radio star. Radio
today is as relevant as ever, and continues to grow through
podcasting and social media. One thing Phoenix Radio sees
regularly with local artists is how they love to have their work
online, but nothing can match the feeling of hearing their
music on the radio.
Phoenix Radio is an established community online radio
station, broadcasting from the brand new Media Centre
at USQ Springfield. The last twelve months have been full
on for the whole team, transitioning through to the new,
state-of-the-art facility. Phoenix Radio is now back in action,
broadcasting 24 hours a day online, and is soon to become
an FM broadcaster.
The station broadcasts a contemporary daytime programme
featuring music from the 70s through to today’s hits. The
daytime programme includes morning local news, promotion
of events and drive-time entertainment. The style of
programming transitions from 6pm onwards, airing organic
overnight shows that feature music from emerging artists,
locally and abroad.
‘We don’t see ourselves in competition with other radio
stations, but as complementary to them’ says Ashley Jones, TV
and Radio Broadcast Lecturer. The team regularly benchmarks
against other stations, because they believe it’s important to
continuously be evaluating your own work, looking for ways
to improve, what else could be offered and what
may be lacking, but also recognising what is
working well.
USQ
PHOENIX
RADIO
Phoenix Radio doesn’t want to copy other
stations, they want to establish their own
identity and their own place in the community. USQ Alumni,
Sam Gunder, says ‘Phoenix Radio allows us to provide a
local service, so we can take what’s great about Triple J, for
example, and localise it.’
The special thing about Phoenix Radio as part of USQ is the
ownership that exists within the station. The on-campus
location gives the ability for Creative Arts students to start
out their radio career in a supportive environment, doing
short weather updates and community announcements, and
the ability to build their skills in all areas. As they progress in
the course, stude