THE BIG Ol’ EDGE RADIO FAQ
WHAT IS EDGE RADIO 99.3FM?
Edge Radio 93.3FM is an independent, community-based radio station, delivering the best in new music, arts and youth culture. Edge Radio plays 50% Australian music, with almost half of that from Tasmania.
WHERE CAN I HEAR IT?
Edge Radio broadcasts on the FM band right across the greater Hobart region, from Taroona to Glenorchy and slightly beyond. You can also listen live online via our website. Just click the play button at the bottom of the page. Also, most of our locally made programs are available to listen to on demand. Just head onto a program page like this one and click the play button at the bottom of the page.
HOW LONG HAS EDGE RADIO BEEN AROUND?
Edge Radio was established in 2002 by Tasmanian University Broadcasters. The station began as a partnership between youth community representatives, media practitioners, the University of Tasmania (UTAS) and the local student union the Tasmania University Union (TUU). To gain a full broadcast license Tasmanian Youth Broadcasters inc. (trading as Edge Radio 99.3FM, call sign: 7EDG) was established as an independent organisation, and in February 2003 Edge Radio 99.3FM was officially launched.
ISN’T EDGE RADIO OWNED AND FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA?
Contrary to popular belief, Edge Radio is not in any way owned or funded by the University of Tasmania. We have a great relationship with UTAS and they played an instrumental role in helping set up Edge Radio in the early years. But beyond giving us a home and sponsorship, the university does not in any way fund our activities. Edge Radio is proudly independent and the masters of our own fate. We set our own agenda and make the kind of radio we want to hear.
MUSICIANS / BANDS / PRODUCERS / DJS
WHERE SHOULD I SEND CDS TO?
Send all material to Music Department, Private Bag 41, Hobart, TAS 7000. Make sure you include a biography and contact details, including an email address on each copy you send Edge Radio.
HOW MANY COPIES SHOULD I SEND?
Please send multiple copies of your CD so we can distribute them to appropriate programs – this may increase your chances of getting some airplay. The more you send, the more widely we can distribute. Four or five CD’s is what we generally suggest.
HOW DO I DIGITALLY SUBMIT MUSIC TO EDGE RADIO?
When submitting music digitally to Edge Radio, please make sure to include the following:
A short bio with any upcoming gig details
A link to stream music (Soundcloud, Bandcamp e.t.c)
A link to a high quality download (320kb/s mp3) Email all this to [email protected]
I’M A TASMANIAN ARTIST. SHOULD I SUBMIT MY MUSIC THE SAME WAY?
Yes please. Follow the same guidelines as outlined above. Tasmanian artists are asked to clearly mark both digital and physical submissions with, Tasmanian Music Submission. Including this in the email subject line of your digital submission means our systems will instantly pick it up making sure we don’t overlook it. If you’re not Tasmanian and choose to use this method we’ll definitely ignore you.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF YOU’VE RECEIVED MY MUSIC AND IF IT WILL BE PLAYED?
All music sent to the Music Department at the above address and email is listened to within 2-4 weeks of posting. Mail can be slow getting to Hobart so please be patient. If we like what we hear we’ll add your music to our playlist or pass it onto a particular program.
CAN I TALK TO SOMEONE ABOUT MY MUSIC OR A CD I’VE POSTED?
Edge Radio understand that feedback on you music is important. You can arrange a meeting with the Music Director or Program Director at the station if you so wish. Again, please be aware that station staff often don’t have a huge amount of time to provide vast amounts of feedback. We try to prioritize giving feedback to Tasmanian artists.
HOW DO I ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW?
Email [email protected] with your request. Due to the large number of approaches we receive, please note that we may not be able to respond to every request.
HOW DO I ARRANGE A GIVEAWAY OF TICKETS / CDS?
Due to the overwhelming number of requests we receive, giveaways can only be done in two ways:
(1) on the back of an in-studio interview. You must let your Edge Radio contact know in advance if you are interested in doing a giveaway as all giveaways must be approved by the Program Coordinator.
(2) As part of a promotional campaign. Under our broadcast licence, we are restricted to broadcasting five minutes of promotional announcements per hour, and on-air giveaways are counted in that time.
To book, contact the Sponsorship & Promotions Department on (03) 6226 7273, or email [email protected]
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO TO PROMOTE MY MUSIC?
Edge Radio offers bands & artists affordable on-air promotional campaigns. Our standard rates are based on 30-second on-air spots. Contact the Sponsorship & Promotions Department (03) 6226 7273, or email [email protected].
YOU ALREADY PLAY MY TRACKS AND PROMOTE MY GIGS – WHY TAKE OUT A PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN?
Edge Radio is a not-for-profit station and we rely on promoters, bands and artists buying on-air promotional campaigns in order to maintain the ongoing viability of the station, and to ensure that we’re here the next time you’d like us to plug your music or event. Our campaigns are effective and offer excellent value.
CAN I OFFER A DISCOUNT TO EDGE RADIO SUBSCRIBERS?
Get some additional promotion for your event by offering a discount for Edge Radio Subscribers. We’ll list your dates, times, line-up info and a basic blurb (1-2 sentences) on our website, social media and email marketing. You need to offer a reasonable discount – ideally at least 20% off. Email your info to [email protected].
ON-AIR PROMOTIONS
CAN I BUY AIRTIME WITH EDGE RADIO?
Edge Radio offers bands, artists, business and companies an affordable promotional opportunity to reach our listeners, through a wide variety of ways. Our standard rates are based on 30-second on-air spots. For more information on sponsorship checkout this page.
WHO DO I CONTACT?
Contact [email protected] or call (03) 6226 7273. They can discuss your campaign with you and send you our rate card.
DOES IT MEAN I’M GUARANTEED AIRPLAY?
Running a promotional campaign with Edge Radio does not influence editorial or airplay – we are proudly independent. To be considered for airplay, see the section for MUSICIANS above.
CONTACTING EDGE RADIO
HOW DO I CONTACT THE STUDIO?
You can SMS or Email the studio 24 hours a day on 0488 811 707 or [email protected]
HOW DO I CONTACT THE EDGE RADIO OFFICE?
The office is open between Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am and 3pm. It can be hard to get someone on the phone but you can call us on (03) 6226 7273 or email [email protected]. For staff contact details, see the Contact Edge page.
WHERE IS EDGE RADIO?
Edge Radio’s studio is on level 2 of the Social Science Building at the University of Tasmania, Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay. Click here for a map. The offices are on level 3.
WHERE DO I POST STUFF TO?
Edge Radio 99.3FM, Private Bag 41, Hobart, TAS 7001
HOW CAN I FIND OUT THE NAME OF A TRACK THAT WAS PLAYED?
If you’re listening to it right now, or the presenter is still on air, you can SMS the Studio on 0488 811 707. You can also check the program’s page on the Edge Radio web site (click here to go to the program guide), as they may have published their playlist. If not, email [email protected] with as much information as you can – when you heard it (day, date and time), did you catch any information (band name, title etc), or any lyrics? We’ll try our best to track it down.
VOLUNTEER AT EDGE RADIO
CAN I VOLUNTEER AT EDGE RADIO?
Edge Radio is a volunteer-based organisation. Most volunteers (including most of the people you hear on air) got their start as a behind the scenes volunteer. Behind the scenes is what it sounds like: it’s all the knitty gritty running the organisation, and our volunteers are what makes Edge Radio such a great place to be. During your shift you’ll be greeting people, helping them find who and what they’re looking for, performing reception and admin duties and helping out wherever there is a need around the station.
After a while, committed behind the scenes volunteers will get further opportunities in the music library, in writing, video and content creation, membership, sales and promotions, producing and presenting. If you’d like to apply for a volunteer position, click here for more info.
HOW MUCH TIME IS INVOLVED?
We’re looking for volunteers that are able to commit to a regular half day each week for a minimum of 3 months. Ideally we are looking for volunteers who are interested in extending their involvement at the station beyond this.
I’VE GOT A GREAT IDEA FOR A PROGRAM / I’D LIKE TO BE A PRESENTER. HOW DO I GET ON AIR?
Checkout the Apply For a Program page for more information. Read the new application FAQ carefully. If you’re new to radio, you will have to do Edge Radio’s broadcast training course, which is compulsory for all those who wish to get on air. More information on the training course can be found here.
WORK EXPERIENCE, WORK PLACEMENT & INTERNSHIPS
CAN I DO WORK EXPERIENCE AT EDGE RADIO?
You can put in an application for work experience anytime using the volunteer expression of interest form here. Make sure you tick the work experience box on the form. As we have such a large volunteer base already gaining work experience in a variety of roles, we can only accept a few students a year.
Please note that work experience is only open to high school students, if you’d like to gain experience at Edge Radio and are not a student you’re welcome to apply as a volunteer.
EDGE RADIO SUBSCRIBERS
WHAT’S AN EDGE RADIO SUBSCRIBER?
Edge Radio is proudly independent. We’re a not-for-profit music station, made by a team of passionate volunteers. In order to stay on air, we rely on listeners becoming financial subscribers – without you, there would be no Edge Radio. Every dollar of your support keeps Edge Radio on air.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
You become an Edge Radio Subscriber by signing up for our monthly plan of $5 a month. That’s it. No lock in contract, no minimum time period, just $5 a month for as long as you can afford it.
CAN I SIGN UP MY BAND?
Yes. Band subscriptions will be launched soon.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
You can sign up online right now – Click here for more information and the link to our secure payment gateway. Alternatively, call us during business hours on (03) 6226 7273.
I’M ALREADY A SUPPORTER BUT I WANT TO RENEW?
No problem – just let us know you’re an existing supporter when you call.
HOW DO I CHANGE MY CONTACT DETAILS / EMAIL ETC?
Email the information to [email protected]
ARTISTS / ART ORGANISATIONS / CULTURAL EVENTS
HOW DO I ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW / REVIEW?
Email [email protected] for interviews and [email protected] for events. Our Interviews Coordinator and Program Director will forward your information to relevant broadcasters or reviewers. Due to the large number of approaches for interviews, reviews and events we receive, we may not be able to respond to every request. If we feel your interview, review or event request is a good fit with the station, we will be in touch.
WHERE DO I SEND EVENT LISTINGS?
Email [email protected]
HOW DO I ARRANGE A GIVEAWAY OF TICKETS?
Due to the overwhelming number of requests we receive, giveaways can only be done in two ways:
(1) on the back of an in-studio interview. You must let your Edge Radio contact know in advance if you are interested in doing a giveaway.
(2) As part of a promotional campaign. Under our broadcast licence, we are restricted to broadcasting five minutes of promotional announcements per hour, and on-air giveaways are counted in that time.
To book, contact the Sponsorship & Promotions Department (03) 6226 7273, or email [email protected]
MAKING A COMPLAINT
HOW DO I MAKE A COMPLAINT?
Edge Radio subscribes to the Community Broadcasting Codes of Practice. You can access a copy of the Codes here. Having read this, contact Edge Radio’s Program Director if you wish to make a formal complaint – [email protected]
