RADIO CRACKER is an exciting new radio initiative to bring aid to the Third World. Dave Massey talked to the organisers.

Steve Chalke
Steve Chalke

The latest brainwave from Steve Chalke has groups of children and young people across the country poised to break onto the airwaves for 28 days this autumn. To raise money for Third World aid and development amongst young people, Radio Cracker aims to obtain special event radio licences This will allow them to broadcast on a set FM frequency for 28 days, with an on-air time of four hours a day, from 30th November to the 24th December. 82 registered groups (they're aiming for at least 90) will be broadcasting in local areas across the country. Money will be raised on the 'Tune in - pay our principle, with people paying to have a record request or dedication played on air. Sally Johnson told us: "The main item of equipment is the transmitter, which we shall be loaning to groups - a company is providing sponsorship for us to obtain 100 transmitters at a cost of £650 each, but loan to participating groups will of course be free ...' Other items of equipment, like mixing desks and turntables, are the responsibility of the individual groups who take part, but broadcasting does not need to be done from a studio - it can be based in a front room! The Performing Rights Society have waived copyright fees for the duration of the project and music content is to be left to the groups, but Sally expects the vast majority to play chart-based material in a Radio 1 style. "It is, after all, supposed to be a station that people will want to tune in to" she said. Music policy will obviously affect that aim.

A number of participating groups are getting schools involved -- with one station actually being based at a school and using the kids as presenters. Publicity from stations will partly be the responsibility of local groups, but Radio Cracker have been publicising the event through their own magazine 'Cracking Up', which reaches 22,000 people through Alpha magazine, who are distributing it All the major Christian festivals have been targeted* and, nearer the starting date, national press will be approached too. Overall sponsorship for the project is being provided by Tear Fund and so far Radio Cracker's outgoings are being met If your youth group wants to get involved, the basic advice is 'get in there quick1 and be prepared for a lot of hard work organising publicity for your station, its wavelength and the nitty gritty of following up phone pledges of money. You might need one or two records too - apart from that it should be a breeze! CR

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.