What is Community Radio? Planet FM is a not-for-profit community based radio station. We offer a radio broadcast facility to community groups and individuals who otherwise have little or no access to the airwaves.
Access Community Radio Incorporated, which broadcasts as Planet FM, doesn't make radio programmes. We provide the facilities, advice, training and technical support needed for community groups and individuals to make their own radio programmes.
Individuals
How much will it cost to make a programme? To make a programme you need to be a member of the Incorporated Society that operates the station. Individual membership is $22.50 annually and for groups the annual fee is $67.50.
Airtime fees for members are currently set at $45 an hour. So, a thirty minute programme will cost $22.50 each time it goes to air, a fifteen minute show costs $11.25. Shows are as short as 10 minutes and as long as 90 minutes.
You can make application to make a programme before becoming a member. There is often a waiting list, so we don't ask you to become a member until your airtime application is successful. To make your own show click on the link and submit your application now.
If you have an interest in radio but don't want to be heard on air, we are always looking for volunteers to train as panel operators. These operators assist programme makers who do not have technical skills.
You will be helping ethnic and special interest communities get their programmes to air and will gain a skill at the same time. For more information on training read on.
From time to time we also need help with clerical tasks around the station and welcome volunteer input in this area.
All those who use station facilities are asked to be members. In the case of volunteer panel operators, the annual membership fee is $22.50
Training f you plan to make a programme or become a volunteer panel operator you will need to train on the station equipment. We will help you with one-on-one panel lessons until you develop proficiency. All training is free.
Access Community Radio has its home on the Mt. Albert campus of Unitec on Carrington Road near the Pt. Chevalier junction. The Society is independent of the Institute and the station is accessible all hours via Entry 1 of the campus.
If you are visiting click Maps to print map and directions.
How is the station funded? The station is funded from airtime fees, membership subscriptions and with support from NZ On Air in keeping with the requirements of 36(c) of the Broadcasting Act which requires the provision of broadcasting facilities for minorities, ethnic groups and special needs.