Redhill School’s radio station RedRadio went the distance for a good cause in its final broadcast.
RedRadio, ran for the learners by the learners, hosted a 15-hour marathon broadcast on August 5 and 6 to not only celebrate the team’s final broadcast before they matriculated, but also to raise money for the non-profit organisation The Angel Network.
According to station manager Thomas Hele, the team had just three weeks to prepare for its ‘15k in 15 hours’ broadcast to come to life.
All of the hard work proved to be fruitful as the marathon broadcast was an overall incredible success. The team was able to raise an exorbitant R50 000, more than three times its fundraising goal.
“The idea was born out of two fundamental objectives – to broadcast for something bigger than ourselves and create a highly immersed experience with the community we have been broadcasting with for years,” said Thomas.
Thomas added that the relationship that the station had with its listeners was incredibly valuable, and it was only fitting for the station to close that relationship with its listeners.
“We invited back all of our regular guests from loyal listeners to standout interviews – this broadcast was not about us but our community.
“The nitty-gritty organisation and getting our 12 presenters and five producers on the same page without overloading our audience took meticulous planning. All-in-all, it was a conjoined effort to bring it all together.”
The broadcast was a reflection of the amazing support that RedRadio received over the years from the Redhill School community. Thomas particularly thanked the school for allowing the station to grow into what it had become today.
“The [Redhill School] management has never tried to format RedRadio to fit their agenda, we have been given the liberty to make mistakes, learn and hold institutions, including Redhill, to account.”
Redhill School executive director Joseph Gerassi noted his amazement at how far RedRadio had come since it was launched four years ago.
“It is astounding to see learners embracing real world initiatives and growing beyond what we had initially envisioned. They have left an indelible legacy for future generations of RedRadio learners to grow from and enjoy, not to mention a powerful voice for learners on campus,” said Gerassi.
Thomas noted that his RedRadio career would forever be an unforgettable and immensely treasured moment in his life.
“RedRadio has been my everything – the power of radio to mobilise change, inform and develop opinion is next to nothing. I leave RedRadio knowing that it will continue to be a voice for the youth and make tangible differences in the communities around us.”
Details: www.redradio.co.za
ALSO READ:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/270040/the-whirlwind-of-red-radio-2/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/278095/the-power-of-community/
