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Michael Dormer (Catholic Radio Update) queries
Christian radio licencing in Australia, New Zealand and other Commonwealth
countries.
In New Zealand, UCB operate 34 transmitters on
AM/FM with the Radio Rhema network (broadcasting since 1974), 13 transmitters on
AM/FM with the Southern Star Network (including the most powerful AM station in
the country with 50kW) and another 13 FM transmitters with the Life FM network.
A large number of additional frequencies are leased by UCB and awaiting funds to
come on air.
There are no ownership restrictions on
local broadcasting in NZ where AM/FM frequencies (except those reserved for
state and community stations) are leased to the highest
bidder.
In Australia, UCB operates a further 18 FM
transmitters under the Radio Rhema brand (with 56kW one is the most powerful
community FM station in Australia), with another 9 stations testing, and others
awaiting permission to test.
Radio Rhema Sydney is currently applying for the
1386 AM narrowcast channel to serve the Sydney LAP.
As well, there are over 100 FM transmitters
currently on air across rural Australia with their Vision FM brand, and another
80 licenced and awaiting funds and technical installation.
UCB has recently announced plans to open
a similar network across Canada, and operates four satellite
based radio networks across the UK, Ireland and Western Europe with more
planned. It also has FM stations on air in the South Pacific states of
Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.
New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Tonga, Vanuatu and
PNG are all in the Commonwealth so there seems no problem with obtaining
licences for Christian radio stations in the Commonwealth despite what
Michael claims.
UCB is non-denominational and broadcasts from a 9
point articles of faith statement. They also have local stations in Russia
and Estonia. The format worldwide is based on the original station in
Christchurch, New Zealand, adapted for local audiences. UCB are headquartered in
Auckland, New Zealand.
David Ricquish
Talkback
NZDX Times / www.radiodx.com
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