New studio is on the air at 2Max FM

Narrabri community radio station 2Max FM, already one of the best equipped in country NSW, has added further to its broadcast capabilities.

On a visit to Narrabri, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton officially opened a new state of the art studio which was funded with an $11,000 grant from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together program.

Mr Coulton said the newly appointed radio studio at 2Max FM will provide exciting opportunities for volunteer announcers and the community.

“I’ve long been a supporter of 2Max FM and it’s terrific to see these funds being put to such good use to benefit the volunteers who run this community radio station,” Mr Coulton said.

“The 2Max FM team has been busily preparing the new studio space and updating the technology, which I understand will be a great asset for volunteer announcers and the wider community.

“Local radio plays a vital role in keeping people connected and informed,” Mr Coulton said.

“The Tackling Tough Times Together program helps keep money flowing through our shops and suppliers, and creates jobs for communities which have been impacted by drought,” said Mr Coulton.

“The Government was pleased to commit $15 million to support the Foundation’s crucial work of stimulating regional economies while strengthening social connections in these country communities.”

2Max FM president Jeff Cloake said the fit-out of the second studio was welcome.

“Having the new studio has provided Narrabri High School with a separate studio to create their weekly High School Half Hour, much more room is available and the updated technology is wonderful. We have the facilities now to allow other organisations to create their own programs or podcasts without disruption to the on air studio,” Mr Cloake said.

“It allows us to have a backup studio in case our main studio suffers damage or has major technical difficulties, so we can still remain on air.

“The new studio also allows other programs and announcers to be on air at the same time as our regular broadcast without interfering with each program.

“The benefit to our volunteer announcers of setting up in the separate studio makes transition from one program to the next a lot easier. No one interrupts the program on air when they arrive to set up for their show, they can take their time and set up in the second studio without disrupting the on air announcer.

“The studio was funded by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and we would like to thank them and our Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton for the support.”