Good News Community Radio (GNCR) officially launched its new state-of-the-art studio near King Shaka Airport last Friday.

The ceremony was led by Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong alongside members of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) board, which donated the new digital studio. The event drew several dignitaries, including eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba.

The celebration featured music, prayers and speeches highlighting the importance of community media. Guests were also treated to a guided tour of the new facility.

Morolong said the station occupies a unique space in South Africa’s media landscape by promoting hope, unity, compassion and service while remaining rooted in the concerns of its listeners.

“Today we celebrate partnership, perseverance and the vital role community radio plays in strengthening social democracy, building social cohesion and encouraging active participation within our communities,” he said.

Founded in 1995 as a faith-based Christian radio ministry in Canelands, between Tongaat and Verulam, GNCR has grown into a significant community broadcaster. The station is currently run by 37 volunteers, including two professional journalists.

“We are a Christian community-of-interest radio station, so we preach the gospel through sermon programmes,” said station manager Michelle Coetzee.

“We also focus on shows that build families, support children and provide news, financial information and sports coverage.”

Broadcasting on 93.6 FM, GNCR offers multilingual programming in English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, Hindi and Tamil across the iLembe district and parts of KZN. International listeners can tune in via the station’s mobile app.

Coetzee said the upgraded digital studio will improve production quality and create opportunities for media students to gain broadcasting experience.