About
3CR : Station History
3CR
- CELEBRATING 31 YEARS OF DISSENT!
Read
below for a fascinating account of 3CR's growth over 30 years as
a dynamic and progressive radio station. Read about the ongoing
struggle for 3CR 's licence application, accusations of the station
as a front for "terrorist radio", internal divisions, programming
developments and special broadcasts. It's a gritty and dramatic
story...
1974
Community
Radio Federation Formed
The
Community Radio Federation (CRF) was formed at a public meeting
held at the Pram factory in Carlton on June 23, 1974.
1975
The
Early Days of Public Broadcasting
The
Federation, in conjunction with community organisations and potential
public broadcasting groups from all states, participated in:
* The founding of the Public Broadcasting Association of Australia.
* A series of conferences and inquiries which attempted to establish
public broadcasting in Australia.
* An intensive public campaign to expose the degree of monopoly
control of the media in Australia including the 200 - 300 spare
frequency allocations which had been withheld from public use for
25 years to the benefit, particularly, of the commercial sector.
Licences
offered
On
January 14, 1975, the Australian Broadcasting Control Board advertised
for applications for a licence "for a low-coverage, AM, restricted,
commercial broadcasting station to serve a Melbourne area within
a radius of 16 kilometres from the broadcasting site". The CRF applied
for this licence.
CRF
licence application
In
its licence application and at the hearings, the Community Radio
Federation made its principles quite clear:
Community participation: the station would encourage community participation
in the station and provide training to facilitate this.
Access:the station would provide a voice for those denied access
to the mass media, particularly the working class, women, Aboriginies
and the many community groups discriminated against by the mass
media. The aim of the Federation was to actively discriminate in
favour of Australian artists and composers and Australian aspirations
generally.
Financial independence: The station was prepared to stand on its
own feet, financially and technically, and would rely on the goodwill
and support of the community.
Listener participation: The station would provide a degree of listener
participation and control in the station through elected listener
sponsor representation in the Federation and listener sponsor advisory
meetings.
On
October 10, 1975, the Minister for the Media, Dr Moss Cass, awarded
the licence to the Community Radio Federation Ltd..
1976
3CR
on air!
The
Australian Broadcasting Board gave permission to commence test broadcasts
from Armadale on May 1, 1976. These continued for six weeks each
evening, from 6 pm to 8 pm. 3CR, broadcasting on 840khz, commenced
full-scale operation on July 3, 1976, from the studios in High Street,
Armadale. The licence was for five years.
Finding
a home
The
initial studio/transmitting site was a warehouse behind 112 High
Street, Armadale. In October, after three months of full-scale broadcasting
and ten months of very intensive volunteer effort to establish the
studios and technical facilities, the owner of the warehouse advised
that there was no hope of negotiating a long-term lease. 3CR was
faced with a serious crisis. To find an alternative site, redevelop
studios, aerial and transmitter facilities and recommence operations
within three months, without a break in transmission, seemed an
impossibility.
Strong
support was received throughout this period from organisations wishing
to become affiliates (the maximum number was raised from 100 to
150 in November) and from listener sponsors (twenty subscriptions
were received each week).
Defending
the ABC
During
1976, 3CR continued to play an active part in the campaign to support
greater independence for the ABC and more licences for public broadcasters
and greater advertising controls in the commercial sector.
In
November, 3CR broadcast the 'Defend the ABC' public meeting and
formed a Broadcasting Defence Committee to produce and distribute
leaflets publicising the dangers of the Fraser Government's attacks
on the ABC.
1977
Cromwell
St., Collingwood
New
premises were found at 20 Cromwell Street, Collingwood with the
transmitter/aerial site near the Collingwood Town Hall. With the
help of the Collingwood City Council and the efforts of several
hundred volunteers, 3CR was re-established within three months.
Broadcast
hours increased to 138 hours per week, 6 am to 12 midnight every
week day and 24-hour programming at weekends. There was also a large
increase in the number of listener sponsors, with a peak of 3500
being reached (in 1976 there were 800).
Special
broadcasting
A
number of special broadcasts and concerts were held during the year,
including the first 3CR Benefit Concert, 'Jazz in the Park'.
Other
special initiatives included the production of the children's serial,
"The Almost Adventures of Captain Crowbar", and the operation of
a children's play area where volunteers supervised the children
on a roster basis while their parents worked at the station.
Ethnic
programmes at the station included Turkish, Armenian, Greek and
Spanish.
Signal
strength
During
the year, analysis of 3CR's signal strength indicated that 3CR was
greatly disadvantaged compared with ABC and commercial stations,
and that the station was not adequately covering the 16 kilometre
radius for which the licence was issued. The first request was made
to the Minister for a moderate power increase. This was to be a
long and continuing saga.
1978
Terrorist
Radio
The
27th June 1978 issue of The Bulletin published an article by Sam
Lipski labelling 3CR as "A Front for Terrorism", because of 3CR's
support for the Palestinian struggle. A series of meetings between
3CR, the Jewish Board of Deputies and the Public Broadcasting Association
took place. As 3CR was not prepared to give in to the demands of
the Jewish Board of Deputies, they initiated a full tribunal hearing
about 3CR's coverage of the Palestinian struggle. During two weeks
of a 'Fight Back' campaign in November, about 1000 listener sponsors
helped distribute nearly 500,000 leaflets throughout the Melbourne
metropolitan area, supporting and outlining 3CR's views.
The
first Radiothon
This
was also the year of the first Radiothon. About 1500 posters advertising
the Radiothon were distributed to shopping centres, schools and
other centres. The target of $9000 in pledges was reached.
Increasing transmission range
During
the year, a petition to Federal Parliament seeking increased power
for the station was organised and over 8000 signatures were obtained.
Broadcasting
continues
3CR
played more Australian compositions and performances than any other
radio station. Outside broadcasts included the direct broadcast
of a rally in support of the ABC which was carried by landline live
to 2XX in Canberra.
1979
A
turbulent year
1979
saw an attack on the licence, financial difficulties and differences
of opinion within the Federation.
Late
in the year, a trial period of 24 hours a day, seven days a week
took place - continuous transmission for the first time.
Tribunal
inquiry
The
Tribunal sat on six occasions but at no stage did the proceedings
move beyond consideration of preliminary matters. At the final meeting
of the Tribunal in August 1979, "it was presented with a declaration
of intent in relation to 3CR's broadcasting policies which had formally
been adopted by 3CR on 13 August. Counsel for the Victorian Jewish
Board of Deputies announced that his clients regarded the declaration
as substantially acceptable and he formally withdrew the complaints
which had initiated the calling of the Inquiry and the preparation
of the terms of reference."
Internal
division
However,
the case brought with it a period of serious division of opinion
within the ranks of the station's supporters and workers. Elections
of representatives and of the Committee were periods of intense
competition and discussion between the rival viewpoints. The Annual
General Meeting of the Federation in April resulted in the election
of a committee of management with a new executive which, after consultation
with all sections of the Federation, acted for a settlement of the
case before the Tribunal by negotiation with the Victorian Jewish
Board of Deputies.
Other
developments
Also
in this year, the CRAM Guide was started as a more substantial and
attractive publication. The Radiothon raised $6700, and included
a successful concert at Collingwood Town Hall.
1980
Financial
difficulties continued, but despite this, significant improvements
were made to the premises, particularly with the construction of
Studio 3.
24-hour
a day programming became permanent early in 1980 after a successful
trial over Christmas.
The
station dropped its request that non-English language programmes
broadcast in English as well as their own language.
A
number of outside broadcasts were held during the year, including
the Prahran Festival and a regular restaurant program.
Dollar
Brand performed a special concert in appreciation of 3CR's support
for the anti-apartheid struggle.
An
extensive retraining of news-workers was carried out, and news broadcasts
recommenced in mid-year.
The
first full-time station manager was appointed this year, to join
part-time general and music producers.
The
Radiothon raised $10,748 and a special fund-raiser to meet outstanding
debts raised $5200.
1981
Licence
renewal
3CR's
licence came up for renewal in June. Thirty-seven submissions were
received by the Tribunal from the public, all but one being in support
of the application. When it came to the hearing, 38 member groups'
representatives attended ready to act as witnesses, and a further
24 statements in support of the application were submitted by the
station. Prior to the hearing, negotiations had been undertaken
with the Victorian Jewish Board of Deputies as to the views to be
presented to the Tribunal. The only objector was unable to substantiate
its claims. The Tribunal decided to renew unconditionally the licence
for a term of three years. Also renewed during the year was the
lease of the Cromwell Street premises and the lease on the transmitter
site.
Programming
News
and current affairs programs took advantage of the newly established
National Program Service of the Public Broadcasting Association
of Australia - a service which coordinated exchange of news and
current affairs tapes between public broadcasting stations throughout
Australia.
A
grant from the Commonwealth Schools Commission enabled the station
to set up a student/schools access program and over 1000 students
and 100 schools participated.
Music
on 3CR was a controversial issue in 1981. The emphasis in general
programs shifted from bush, folk, and middle of the road music to
a more modern and rock orientation. This caused some discussion,
but it was felt that 3CR should be more open to new styles of music.
Outside broadcasts continued. A major achievement was the live broadcast
from the 36th Jazz Convention in Geelong, which was sent live to
public broadcasting stations in Adelaide and Canberra, and by tape
to Perth. A survey of Listener Sponsors brought in a big response.
The
Radiothon raised $13,500 and other fund-raisers brought in $7000.
1982
Special
programming
Two
days of programming were devoted specially to programmes dealing
with Central America and Uranium mining, specifically the Honeymoon
Mine. In addition, live coverage of the Honeymoon Mine occupation
was broadcast from Broken Hill.
The
3CR news team coverage of the April Victorian State elections was
one of the most comprehensive of all radio and television stations
in Melbourne. Other coverage included the protests associated with
the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane.
Futures
Conference
A weekend conference was held in February to discuss the future
of the station. Coming out of this, a decision was made to employ
a Volunteers Coordinator. Radiothon raised $22,500 and a May appeal
for equipment funds raised a further $2000.
1983
A
permanent home
In
late 1982 an opportunity appeared to acquire the property at 21-23
Smith Street, Fitzroy. In March it was decided to negotiate to acquire
it, with the goal of obtaining a permanent home for 3CR.
Licence
renewal
Submissions
to the licence hearing were made by organisations and individuals
in support of the station and, again, by the Victorian Jewish Board
of Deputies who, whilst not opposing the renewal of the licence
were critical of the station. In June, the licence was renewed for
three years with conditions unchanged. The Tribunal said that it
"has been impressed by the range of activities undertaken and in
particular the station's continued commitment to children's programming;
its training course for panel operators, station duty officers and
newsreaders, on program compilation, the standards, broadcasting
law and law of defamation; its program feedback methods and the
plans for a comprehensive listener survey to be under taken during
1984."
Power
increase approved
In
August approval was received for an increases of power from 250
watts to 1000 watts and a change of frequency to 855 kHz. Further
application was made for an increase to 5000 watts, which would
require a new antenna site, and for an extension of the service
area from the 16Km radius.
Programming
Special
broadcasts included a team reporting the Federal election results
from Canberra in March, extensive broadcasts (from land and water)
of the Franklin River blockade, and broadcasts for May Day, International
Women's Day and Stonewall Day.
The
Federal Liberal government refused grants to 3CR as part of a political
campaign against the station.
Radiothon
raised $25,391.
1984
Smith
St. Fitzroy
Throughout
1984, an enormous amount of work (legal, financial and physical)
went into the renovation and construction of studio space at 21-23
Smith, Fitzroy. The building was officially opened by the Mayor
of Fitzroy on Sunday August 12, 1984.
Special
broadcasting
Special
broadcasting events during the year included the first live-to-air
broadcast of the PND Rally from the Bourke Street Mall, the coverage
of the Roxby Downs blockade where 3CR's news team was barred from
entry, live coverage from the ALP National Conference in Canberra,
a May Day appeal that raised $2876, and a Christmas Day appeal for
the striking Rosella workers which raised over $6000.
Two
other appeals during the year were the annual Radiothon, which raised
$29,000, and a building appeal raising $13,000 over twelve months.
1985
Settled
in, and producing great radio!
Firmly
established in its new studios, 3CR produced a range of exciting
broadcasting events throughout the year: coverage of both state
and federal elections, with live coverage from the tally rooms,
a special 24-hour broadcast for International Women's Day, 'on-the-spot'
reports from Kanaky and Vanuatu in the pacific, comprehensive federal
budget coverage, the Grand Final edition of the footy show live
from the Renown Hotel, and two Youth Radio Festivals including a
live concert series from RMIT.
A
grant from Victoria's 150th Celebrations enabled the station to
operate the Youth Radio Project in association with 3RRR. The two
festivals in May and August enabled large numbers of young people
to be introduced to public radio and the broadcast of an extensive
and varied program of youth-oriented radio.
A
special effort in June by The Concrete Gang and builders' labourers,
raised almost $11, 000 for 3CR and this was continued when the Radiothon
raised over $36,000 for the station.
Funds
were also obtained to establish talk-back and this facility began
operation during the year. Other funds enabled the station to produce
a colourful mural on the outside of the building.
Dynamic
Recorders, 3CR's in-house production facility, was established in
this year.
1986
10th
Birthday
Special programming for the celebration of the 10th anniversary
of the station was broadcast throughout the day of July 3rd, and
a celebration dinner was held that night, at the Collingwood Town
Hall. The Birthday Radiothon brought in $50, 000.
Improved
structures and documentation
The
management structure was improved this year, with the implementation
of a sub-committee system. Committees included programming, 10th
Anniversary, finance, and complaints. Also, the Station Rules and
Broadcasting Code were drawn together in one document for the first
time.
Improved
Live Coverage
The
live coverage of the PND Rally was probably the most extensive yet
achieved, with several commentary positions, use of radio microphones
and talkback. This coverage was complemented by Peace Talks, a series
of interviews with 5 peace activists talking about their work, in
this International Year for Peace.
Throughout
the nurses dispute, nurses broadcast special programmes, enabling
vital information to be delivered quickly to the picket lines and
striking nurses.
The
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association raised almost $6000
in one day through an on-air appeal.
Training
Review
From
the early days of the station, training ensured that a high degree
of community participation was achieved. In March of 1986 the station
conducted a review of training, which approved the principle of
a small charge being made to cover the costs of training courses.
Training facilities were improved, with the opening of Studio 4.
Women
come forward
Two
significant developments led to greater participation by women in
3CR, and in community broadcasting throughout Australia. First,
3CR appointed a Women's Officer on a part time basis - the first
and only radio station in Australia to do so. With the appointment
of a Women's Officer, women's involvement in all aspects of the
station increased. Second, the Public Broadcasting Foundation provided
funds for the production of a national women's news and current
affairs cassette - Women on the Line. The Women on the Line cassette
was produced fortnightly, and distributed to over 30 public radio
stations throughout Australia.
1987
3CR
expands
This
year saw improved facilities for programming. The dubbing suite
in the newsroom was rebuilt and refurbished to include two tape
machines, a double cassette deck and a mixer. Studio 2 was also
completely refurbished to include a panel matching the one in studio
1.
Licence
renewal
The
licence was renewed for a further three years. The Australian Broadcasting
Tribunal congratulated the station on its programming initiatives
in terms of quality and quantity, and noted the station's ability
to finance itself without sponsorship revenue. Steve Crabb's objection
to the 3CR licence renewal was dismissed as the government again
tried to interfere with 3CR's independence.
Licence
Change
In
early December, legislation passed through parliament to change
the licence status of 3CR from a "Restricted Commercial Licence"
to a "Special Interest Public Broadcasting Licence". The special
interest provision related to 3CR's provision of 'alternative access',
which brought the licence into line with what 3CR does.
Progressive
Radio Association
In
early 1987 the CRF resigned from the Public Broadcasting Association
of Australia, and established the Progressive Radio Association
of Australia with other public broadcasters 2XX, 3RRR, 2RSR and
4ZZZ. This body liaised with various industry bodies, and established
exchanges of programmes and information.
Increasing
transmission: the FM option
As part of the attempt to establish Melbourne-wide coverage for
3CR, one of the options considered was conversion to FM. FM frequencies
were to become available with the clearance of TV stations from
the FM band by 1990. With this possibility in mind, the station
became a partner in Public FM Transmissions, which was to provide
FM transmitting facilities to 3PBS, 3MBS and the Ethnic Broadcasting
Association of Victoria.
Special
broadcasting
3CR provided comprehensive coverage of the Federal Election, with
six reporters and technicians at the National Tally Centre in Canberra
and over 20 people at the Melbourne end. Other broadcasts included
Brunswick Youth Week, International Solidarity with the Palestinian
people, the Queensland election and the broadcast of live concerts
from RMIT's Glasshouse Theatre every Tuesday lunchtime.
On-air
appeals for El Salvador, the Builders Labourers Federation and Australia
Asia Worker Links raised $19, 500. Radiothon raised $46, 000.
1988
Celebrating
survival
3CR
marked the 200th anniversary of the invasion with several special
broadcasts and concerts, including the Bicentenary New Years Day
Koorie celebration from Atherton Gardens, phone link-ups and mobile
phone reports from Sydney and Melbourne on 26th JanuaryInvasion
Day, and the anti-bicentenary extravaganza Flat Fleet, at the Fitzroy
Pool. The CRF established a bicentenary policy to guide coverage
of the year's events, stating that no station programme should condone
any bicentenary event or activity.
Power
increase and transmitter re-location
In
May 1988 the Department of Transport and Communications granted
3CR full metropolitan broadcast coverage, lifting the restriction
of 3CR's broadcasting service area. To achieve wider transmission,
3CR needed to re-locate their transmitting facilities. Earlier in
the same year, the Collingwood Council served 3CR with notice to
vacate their transmitter site, located on council property, by early
1989. This made planning for a transmitter move an urgent priority.
Futures
Conference
Over
150 people came together to discuss areas such as breakfast shows,
magazine and affiliate programmes, music, structure and democracy,
finance, audience, and 3CR's commitment to providing access. Out
of these workshops came strategies for raising the $100 000 needed
for the new transmitter, improved information about the 3CR structure,
more live music and Australian music and the employment of a Breakfast
Coordinator (in 1990).
Programming
Studio
3 was renovated, and the recording of radio plays began.
A
special 10 part series on women and work was produced for Women
On the Line, and an Ethnic Folk Concerts series was produced and
presented in conjunction with The Boite.
An on-air appeal by the Latin American Information Centre raised
$7,500 for the Popular Radio Network of El Salvador. Radiothon raised
$51,000.
An
FM licence was not granted to 3CR, however our Public FM share was
retained.
1989
Dynamic
recorders
Dynamic
recorders, 3CR's inhouse production house, had been going since
1985, but it was in 1989 that the coordinator's role became a staff
position. The main income for Dynamic was from the production of
community service announcements for groups such as Spoletto Fringe,
Rainbow Alliance, and the Anti-warships Coalition. Dynamic also
conducted larger projects, including a multi-lingual campaign aimed
at piece workers for the Clothing Trades Union, co-promotion of
Yothu Yindi, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and the Brunswick Music Festival,
and a special training programme for the Spastic Society.
Transmitter
relocation
Fundraising
and the search for a location for a new transmitter continued throughout
this year, as they would until 1995.
Special
Broadcasting
Drop
the Charges specials kept listener informed about the campaign to
defend Kerry Browning, the Canberra anti-apartheid activist charged
with fire-bombing a South African Embassy car.
Other protest coverage included the Hoyts dispute, and the campaign
against the re-introduction of tertiary fees. 3CR was also at the
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and the Melbourne Midsumma festival.
The Radiothon raised $77, 000, and other fundraising efforts brought
in another $7, 800.
1990
15th
Birthday year
Listeners
enjoyed highlights of the first 15 years of broadcasting on 3CR,
including interviews with past and present 3CR personalities. Five
hundred people attended the birthday dinner at Brunswick Town Hall.
Special
Broadcasts
Broadcasts
included the WorkCare Rallies, the Tramways dispute, including a
Tramathon which raised $14, 000 for locked-out trammies, and the
Wring Out Fairlea protest which presented a list of demands to improve
women's prison conditions.
Other
broadcasts included the national anti-Australian Defence Equipment
Exhibition in Canberra, the Building Bridges invasion day concert,
and the left women's caucus trade union conference. It was also
the year for the first of many World Aids Day specials.
The
20th anniversary of the Westgate Bridge Disaster was marked with
the production of a documentary, and special programming by the
Concrete Gang.
Late
in 1990 the bitter dispute over worker's health and safety broke
out at the Hoechst petrochemical plant in Altona, and 3CR was at
the forefront of the media in exposing what the dangers were and
how the workers were fighting to get healthy and safe working conditions.
The
Christmas appeal raised money for the striking workers at CSR.
Dynamic
Recorders produced and launched a music cassette in cooperation
with the Timorese programmers at 3CR, trained TAFE Performing Arts
students, and promoted a number of music concerts, including the
Brunswick Music Festival and Hot Jam Cooking - two days of performances
from Koori and non-Koori women.
300
listeners attended 3CR's Open Day.
Radiothon
raised $93, 000, and other fundraising brought in another $9, 300.
1991
Training
developments
Preparation
of a syllabus to hold 'train the trainer' courses at 3CR began this
year. The aim of the course was to improve the standard of training
and help raise the general skill level of 3CR programmers. Breakfast
training around the new breakfast format took place.
Special
Broadcasts
The
Coode Island Chemical Storage Depot disaster was covered extensively
by 3CR with the involvement of the Hazardous Materials Action Group,
Flemington Tenants Association, and other community groups.
Coverage
of the Victorian Trades Hall Jobs and Justice campaign looked at
the background issues, and crossed live to the rally to speak with
unemployed people and workers in Youth Services, CES, VCOSS, local
councils and Koori organisations.
The
station also offered an alternative view of the Gulf War, with extensive
media contacts from around the world. Coverage included 3 reports
each day looking at the developments in the war, the issues behind
the conflict, developments in the peace movement and the possibility
for peace in the conflict. Listeners expressed their views during
many talback sessions.
Other
international coverage included live coverage of Nelson Mandela's
speech to trade unionists at the Melbourne Town Hall in November
1990, live broadcast of the South America vs Europe soccer grand
final in Chile, and the visit of Arthur and Ann Scargill. Arthur
was the president of the National Union of Mineworkers in Britain,
and after their experiences with the Murdoch press during their
struggles against the Thatcher government's job cuts, the Scargills
would only talk to 3CR.
Coverage
of the Kili massacre continued the tradition of covering the East
Timorese people's struggle for independence and freedom.
Dynamic
Recorders produced three ethnic music cassettes, featuring traditional
and contemporary Kurdish, South American and Greek music. Dynamic
also initiated the Melbourne Ethnic Music Network, a loose coalition
of organisations involved in the promotion of ethnic music in Victoria,
coordinated the Spanish Speaking Women's Radio Project (forerunner
to the programme Mafalda), and continued to provide audio production
services to community groups throughout Melbourne.
The
money raised by Radiothon increased once again, this year bringing
in $115, 000.
1992
New
broadcasting legislation
The
Broadcasting Services Act 1992 was passed in Parliament. The main
emphasis of the Act was to further deregulate the whole of the electronic
media. Statutory standards were replaced by industry self regulation.
Complaints were now to be dealt with by stations and only by the
regulator as a final resort, and licences were renewed as a formality
unless serious questions exist. The calling of public enquiries
into aspects of the media became the prerogative of the Australian
Broadcasting Authority Chairperson. These measures reduced the public
accountability of the media.
The
act also established a new set of broadcasters called narrowcasters,
who broadcast to a limited audience, material of a limited nature,
to limited geographic areas or for limited periods of time. This
created new competition for existing community broadcasters, and
threatened to undermine their financial viability or force community
broadcasters to be more commercial. Finally, there was also a name
change - from public broadcasters to community broadcasters.
State
election
Following
coverage of the state and federal elections, 3CR focused on fighting
attacks on working people by a reactionary state government. Up
to date information on actions planned by unions, workers and the
community was provided throughout the week.
In
November, the Defend What You've Got rally saw 150, 000 people march
through the city. 3CR provided a special two hour broadcast analysing
the effects of proposed industrial relations laws, and live crosses
throughout the day.
Other special broadcasts included the commemoration of the continuing
struggle against colonial and imperial domination in the Americas
500 years after the arrival of Columbus, a Christmas Day appeal
which raised $10,000 for the rehabilitation of Tamil refugees in
North and East Sri Lanka, and October's Lesbian Festival.
3CR
also provided regular reports from the United Nations Conference
on Environment and Development and the alternative conference of
non-government organisations at Rio De Janeiro.
Radiothon, working with the theme, "3CR Speaks Your Language", raised
$112, 500, and other fundraisers brought in $16, 500.
1993
NESB women
A
policy document focused attention on increasing participation of
women from non-english speaking backgrounds. An increase in the
number of NESB women in general programming saw improved coverage
of issues relevant to women form non-English speaking backgrounds,
increased coverage of these issues by other programmers, and improved
quality of programming. Accent of Women was developed in this year,
and became the first national, multicultural women's programme in
Australia.
Training
The station devoted considerable resources to the Australian Ethnic
Radio Training Project (AERTP), a national training programme funded
by a Federal grant. 3CR's involvement included participation in
the project's policy group and Management Committee and the provision
of station facilities for training. Also, approximately thirty 3CR
programmers received training through AERTP in 1993.
Other training projects included the pilot of the Women on the Line
documentary training project, which provided advanced broadcast
training for women in community radio, and the South East Indigenous
Media Association (SEIMA) radio training project, a two week training
project for urban and regional Indigenous broadcasters.
Special
broadcasts
With
cuts to the education system throughout the state, 3CR supported
the campaigns to save Richmond Secondary College and Northlands
Secondary college, including regular reports on the Richmond occupation
and the equal opportunity struggle over Northlands, and special
media training for the Richmond students.
Other
special programming included coverage of the struggle to keep Fairlea
women's prison open, the international Workers Change the World
conference in Melbourne, and information about the privatisation
of public utilities, police shootings, and the casino.
Dynamic
Recorders work included information tapes for The Wilderness Society,
seminar transcriptions for the Melbourne City Council's Cultural
Development Branch, and media skills training for Lalor Skillshare.
Radiothon
used the "3CR Speaks Your Language" theme once again, and this year
raised almost $110, 000. Other fundraisers brought in $22, 700.
1994
Transmitter relocation
After
many years searching for a new transmitter site, one was finally
found at Old Sneydes Rd., Hoppers Crossing. This enabled 3CR to
start building a 2 tower directional transmitting facility, providing
better reception for more Melburnians.
Special
broadcasting
As always, 3CR was out in the community covering events like the
6th International Feminist Bookfair, the South African elections,
the handover of occupied lands in Jericho and Gaza Strip to the
Palestinian people, and the Axion Esti/Canto General mass choir
Christmas performance. The Disability Resource Centre sponsored
a radio training project at the station, and the participants went
on to become programmers at the station.
Radiothon
programming saw programmers out and about producing specials around
the theme, "3CR On the Move", and raised $110, 000 for the station.
Other fundraising brought in $22, 750.
1995
3CR
fights the Green Guide
In
May 1995, the Age Green Guide published without a full listing of
a number of community broadcasters programme guides, including 3CR's.
This drew attention to the fact that coverage of radio, and community
radio in particular, had diminished over a number of years. 3CR
informed listeners immediately, and on air announcements had an
immediate effect. The following day the editor of the Green Guide
rang to apologise for their 'mistake'.
Special
Broadcasting
Special radio programming in 1995 included coverage of Noam Chomsky's
visit to Melbourne, the Public First anti-privatisation campaign,
and the industrial dispute at Kraft involving the use of sub-contractors
to take full-time jobs from Kraft workers, and the Northlands Secondary
College victory celebration.
In
March, the Uruguayan programme ran an appeal for CX44, a radio station
in Uruguay that was closed by the government after broadcasting
the brutal repression of a public demonstration.
3CR
celebrated dance week with a special discussion on dance education.
Dynamic
Recorder's financial contribution to the station increased significantly.
Two Landcare Environment Action Programmes (LEAP) were sponsored
by the station, with training coordinated by Dynamic. Other work
included the production of Community Health Community Language -
a series of information cassettes on women's health in Arabic, Spanish
and Macedonian, and occupational health and safety cassettes for
the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.
Following
a dramatic increase in fighting in Sri Lanka, 3CR's Tamil programme
had a Christmas Tamil refugee appeal which raised $22,000 for humanitarian
aid.
The
"Breaking New Ground" Radiothon focused on 3CR's transmitter move,
worker's health and safety issues, and live music on 3CR. $123,
600 was raised.
1996
20 years on and still going strong!
New
transmitter site
As
this history shows, the station has much to celebrate in its 20th
birthday year. And we're doing it with more listeners than ever,
thanks to our new transmitter site. The launch of the transmitter
brought 300 people out to celebrate the most ambitious project ever
taken on by a Melbourne community radio station. The day included
a train tour by comedian Rod Quantock, interviews about the history
of 3CR and the search for a new transmitter site, and live music.
A giant hand, controlled by people from throughout the 3CR community,
flicked the switch to begin transmission from the Werribee site
- and 3CR is now heard all over greater Melbourne.
Birthday
celebrations
A
commemorative CD was produced to celebrate the last 20 years of
broadcasting, and includes voices past and present explaining particular
events in the station's history, reporting on significant events
locally and from around the world, and presenting the wide range
of music you hear on 3CR.
Our
20 year history was also celebrated with a dinner at the Moonee
Ponds Community Centre, attended by 500 people. Programming During
1996 3CR continued its reporting of prison issues including the
Ring Around Fairlea campaign, and then went along with the thousands
to join the Canberra Cavalcade.
3CR
also covered the Maintain Your Wage rally this year.
1997
Out
with the old...
Last
year we put up the new transmitter in front of 300 people; on the
14th February in 1997 3CR brought down the old transmitter in Collingwood.
The
good, the bad and the ugly
For
many the chance to hear ex-Black Panther Lorenzo Komboa speak to
the AWTW is a highlight for the year.
In October 3CR rallies itself and its supporters together for an
Emergency Radiothon raising $50,000 to defend a Defamation suit
against the station.
Programming
The Jabiluka campaign heats up with many 3CR volunteers going up
to Kakadu to join the protests and cover the action as it happened,
including taking rides in police vans to get the inside story. 3CR
coverage of the Jabiluka Action Campaign will continue in subsequent
years.
Ongoing attacks to Workcover are given extensive coverage on 3CR
including a series of rallies which saw thousands take to the streets.
With the government's continued attacks on unions the need to provide
a voice for workers was more important than ever.
3CR
gave voice to the Citipower workers during their dispute which proved
a test case for Australian Workplace Agreements in the industry.
The
ETU wins the day and begins programming at 3CR.
We
also provide live coverage of another police baton charge, this
time against striking ACI workers.
1998
On
March 24 John Ferguson, the voice of Nostalgia Unlimited dies.
In
April we celebrated the Paul Robeson Centenary with the production
of 2 hour long programs.
The
spies are out in 1998, with secret police at 3CR. Welcome fellas!!
Several
weeks of struggle and hours of coverage later, the MUA dispute marks
an historic time in the Australian workers movement. At the Community
Broadcasting Association Awards 3CR wins Best News Story for following
the campaign. Marngrook Footy Show also receives a highly commended
award.
Programming
3CR
continues coverage of prison issues including the establishment
of the Victorian Deaths in Custody Committee.
1999
Programming
Dennis Evans travels to Kosovo and reports back on the conflict,
bringing fresh perspective to the U.S. filtered mainstream media
coverage. 3CR maintains its coverage of industrial issues which
this year includes live reporting of the 150,000 strong demonstration
against the second wave of the Workplace Relations Act.
There
is also regular coverage of the ADC dispute in Clifton Hill
Anti-Nuclear
Campaign Heats Up!
Alliances
are strengthened between anti-nuclear campaigners with the Nuclear
Freeways Project and Billa Kalina Alliance working with a senior
women's indigenous group in Cooper Pedy. Sydney groups opposing
Lucas Heights nuclear reactor all work together to oppose nuclear
waste transportation. During July 3CR follows the Humps not Dumps
crew as they trek throughout the South Australian desert campaigning
against nuclear waste.
Elections
in East Timor
In
September 3CR covers the East Timor elections and the violence that
follows. Thanks to an incredible community response, the station
raises $20,000 in 2 and a half hours to be donated to the CNRT.
2000
Survival Day 2000
3CR listeners heard 18 hours of indigenous broadcasting on Survival
Day and then had the opportunity to head down to the Empress Hotel
for the Survival Day Concert. The concert featured performances
by Kelli Howell, Ilana Atkinson, Jimmy Reece and Richard Frankland's
New Senate. Herb Patten was MC for this great night of music.
Xanana
and S11
Another couple of big events this year included an inspiring visit
by Xanana Gusmao to Melbourne Park and the united community protests
beginning on September 11 outside the World Economic Forum, an historic
collaboration of the growing voice of protest around issues of economic
rationalism and globalisation.
Throughout the year 3CR continues to provide coverage of the Mandatory
Sentencing Rallies.
2001
S11 2000, M1 2001
This
traditional day of protest for workers is marked today by protests
outside the Australian Stock Exchange, Nike, McDonalds and other
multinational corporations. The protests are extensively covered
by volunteer programmers at 3CR.
Winners
are Grinners
Long
time programmer and Indigenous singer Kutcha Edwards is voted Naidoc
Person of the Year in July this year. Kutcha follows up this accolade
up by winning Male Performer of the Year at the Deadly Awards in
October.
After
many weeks of sifting through the 3CR coverage of S11, a compilation
CD Globalisation Unplugged is produced by Rachel Maher and Juliet
Fox, both programmers at the station. The compilation wins Best
Radio/Audio Production at the Australian Teachers of Media Awards
(ATOM) 2001. This was the first time a radio category was included
in the awards 19 year history.
2002
10%
of Radiothon Funds Go To Asylum Seekers
3CR
donates $12,000 of its annual Radiothon fundraiser to the Asylum
Seeker Resource Centre in Thornbury. The ASRC provides crucial on
the ground support for asylum seekers and refugees in Melbourne's
northern suburbs.
Indigenous
Prison Project
3CR
stages the first live broadcast from a prison in Australia during
National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC)
Week in July. 3CR's Indigenous broadcasters conduct music workshops
in Port Phillip Prison with Indigenous men. The workshops culminate
in the live broadcast with the men telling stories, reading poetry,
singing songs and talking about their lives. The special broadcast
wins an award from the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia
for "Most Innovative Place/Subject for an Outside Broadcast".
East
Timorese Radio Broadcasters visit 3CR
Nine
East Timorese community radio workers visit 3CR for a month of advanced
radio training and radio station tours. The group stays with Melbourne
families associated with 3CR, and the project is coordinated by
Vannessa Hearman. The project is funded by APHEDA - Union Aid Abroad
- and 3CR.
The
Harvest Festival
3CR's
Marcus Mulcahy, from Blue Green Footprints, takes the Harvest Festival
- an alternative country music event - to Red Hill where it continues
to be held at the end of January each year. During the festival
the album "You Can't Hide Your Love Forever" - A Tribute
to Gene Clark, is launched.
2003
The
Invasion of Iraq
3CR
broadcasts regular updates on the situation in Iraq following the
invasion in March 2003. Covering the massive peace rallies around
the country as well as bringing listeners information not tainted
by military and government propaganda.
Radio
Free Baxter
3CR
joins forces with other independent media activists to broadcast
live from the protests outside the Baxter detention centre in South
Australia. The programming is heard live in Melbourne but also inside
Baxter detention centre. The broadcast wins the Community Broadcasting
Association of Australia's 2003 "Innovative Place/Subject for
an Outside Broadcast" award.
May
Day
Each
year 3CR celebrates May Day with special programming and 2004 is
no exception. The 12-hour broadcast features live May Day rally
coverage, working class songs, as well as the voices of Latin American
workers, the Plumbers Union, Workers Against War and the Union of
Australian Women.
Youth
Training Projects
3CR
continues to stage specialist training with two projects in 2003.
"Outloud not Outcast" trained Young Queers in a Radio
Training Project funded by the Reichstein Foundation and City of
Darebin. The group went on to present the weekly program, Outloud,
until late 2005. Young Homeless People are trained in radio in the
"Transit Lounge" Project. Funded by City of Melbourne,
one of the programmers goes on to present the late night program,
Chill Zone.
NAIDOC
Prison Project
3CR
broadcasts again from within the walls of Port Phillip Prison as
well as presenting - for the first time - live programming with
Indigenous women prisoners from the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. The
broadcasts are preceded by spoken word and music workshops conducted
by 3CR broadcasters Kutcha Edwards and Lisa Bellear.
2004
Wild
About You!
3CR
broadcaster Iain McIntyre produces an exhibition, book & CD
documenting and celebrating underground Australian rock music from
1963 - 68. In Wild About You!, authors Iain McIntyre and Ian D Marks
profiled thirteen largely forgotten rebel rock bands, revealing
what it was that made their music so timely and controversial. Funded
by City of Melbourne (Arts), the book and CD quickly sold out and
can now be seen online at www.3cr.org.au/way
Beyond
the Bars CD Project - NAIDOC Week
3CR's
prison broadcasts become a 3CR annual event during NAIDOC Week.
In 2004, highlights of the broadcast are produced into a CD - 'Beyond
the Bars' - which is nationally distributed. The front cover of
the CD features a design by men at the Port Phillip Prison.
HREOC
Radio Award
For
the first time in the history of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity
awards, a community radio station wins the Radio Category. The Beyond
the Bars CD beats government and commercial entries and Indigenous
broadcaster Kutcha Edwards accepts the award in Sydney. Beyond the
Bars also picks up a Victorian Department of Justice Award and the
Community Broadcasting Association of Australia's "Excellence
in Spoken Word Programming" award.
Excellence
in Indigenous Footy Programming
3CR's
Marngrook Footy Show takes out the Community Broadcasting Association
of Australia's 2004 "Excellence in Sports Programming"
award. The show began in 1998 presented by Grant Hansen and produced
by Jay Estorninho, and is heard every Friday morning between 11
- 12 noon during footy season.
Multicultural
Broadcasters at 3CR
New
communities continue to join 3CR and have their own program and
voice for their community. Throughout the year 3Al Hawa Arabic Youth,
Palestine Remembered, and Afghan Radio join the station. 3CR also
hosts a two-day Radio Seminar for women from the Horn of Africa.
New
Logo for 3CR
A
Promotions Group is set up at 3CR and a designer employed. Local
stencil artist and graphic designer Tom Sevil creates 3CR's new
logo. The idea of 3CR spreading the seeds of dissent is the basis
of the logo and Tom chose the dandelion flower as the central image.
While not without its critics (the dandelion is a 'pest' in Australia
introduced by colonisation) the logo is well received generally.
2005
Tsunami
Special Programming
Following
the tragic events of the Boxing Day tsunami in South East Asia in
2004, 3CR dedicates 5 hours of programming time to explore the disaster
and its repercussions. The broadcast analyses the media coverage,
development and aid issues in the countries affected, presents a
gender perspective and hears first hand from independent reporters
on the ground overseas.
3CR continues to celebrate March 8 with special broadcasting over
24 hours. The day presents a wealth of women's voices and issues
including industrial, health, Arabic youth, Indigenous, hip hop,
talkback, Eritrean, environment, poetry, dykes, Latin American and
Vietnamese outworkers.
CALD
Youth web and radio training
Young
men and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
are trained in radio at 3CR and in web design by Express Media during
a steamy January. The group are made up of second generation Australians
and new refugees. The project is funded by the Myer Foundation and
aims to increase the diversity of media makers in Australia.
NAIDOC
Week 2005 'Beyond the Bars 2'
3CR
celebrates NAIDOC Week with a full week of special programming including
live broadcasts from three Victorian jails - Port Phillip Prison,
Dame Phyllis Frost Centre and Fulham Prison in Gippsland. The Beyond
the Bars 2 CD is produced and launched in January 2006 with support
from the Aboriginal Justice Agreement and the City of Melbourne
(Indigenous Arts).
Stop
Work Rallies
3CR
broadcast live from the June 30th and the November 15th Stop Work
Rallies in Melbourne. Tens of thousands of workers gathered in the
city at both rallies to protest against the Howard Government's
shameful attack on workers through changes to the industrial relations
legislation. 3CR was on the spot to broadcast speeches, vox pops,
and interviews.
Refugee
Week 2006 Celebrated on air
3CR
broadcasters visit the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre for a live
broadcast as part of a 10 hour Special Broadcast to celebrate Refugee
Week. The October broadcast gave a voice to the policies, personal
stories, art and advocacy surrounding refugee and asylum seeker
issues in Australia.
The
2006! Seeds of Dissent Calendar
To
celebrate 3CR's 30th Birthday in 2006, 3CR produced the The Seeds
of Dissent 2006! Calendar. 3CR broadcasters have been active participants
in the movements and events that have transformed Australian society
so the calendar highlighted the last 30 years of activism in Australia.
The calendar had radical historical dates from Invasion Year (1788)
onwards, both colour and black and white photos from the lens of
activists from the last 30 years, and issues ranging from Indigenous
rights to environmental activism. 3CR distributed the calendar nationally
from both retailers and 3CR directly and sold out of its 2000 copies.
2006
3CR - Official Media Partner of the Stolenwealth Games
3CR was the official media partner of the Stolenwealth Games and
broadcasted daily updates for two weeks during the March event.
In support of the Black GST (Genocide, Sovereignty, Treaty) Campaign,
3CR committed significant airtime to broadcast the voices and concerns
of those protesting against Melbourne's 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Stop
Work Rallies
3CR broadcast live from the June 28th and the November 30th Stop
Work Rally in Melbourne. Tens of thousands of workers gathered in
the city at both rallies to protest against the Howard Government's
new industrial relations legislation. 3CR was on the spot to broadcast
speeches, vox pops, and interviews.
NAIDOC Prison Project - 'Beyond the Bars 3'
For the fifth year 3CR broadcasted live with Indigenous people incarcerated
in Victorian prisons - Port Phillip Prison, Dame Phyllis Frost Centre
and Fulham Prison. The broadcasts were preceded by spoken word and
music workshops conducted by 3CR Indigenous broadcasters and artists
Kutcha Edwards and Lisa Bellear. The broadcasts took place during
a week of special broadcasting at 3CR to celebrate NAIDOC Week and
were also broadcast on the NIRS (national Indigenous radio Service)
and simulcast on Melbourne Indigenous radio 3KND. A Beyond the Bars
3 CD was launched in December with the highlights from the live
broadcasts and distributed for free amongst the broadcast participants,
Indigenous and prison activist groups and funders.
In
Memory of Lisa Bellear
3CR's
Not Another Koori Show programmer Lisa Bellear passed away suddenly
on the 5th July. Lisa was an incredible woman, a strong feminist
and inspirational and tireless advocate for indigenous rights. Lisa
had been an integral part of 3CR for the last 20 years, her sense
of humour and the joy and courage she expressed in her conversations
with a vast community of people all over Australia and will be sadly
missed.
The Seeds of Dissent 2007! Calendar
The
Calendar Team produced a second calendar. The Seeds of Dissent 2007!
Calendar profiled 12 campaigns that changed, and are still changing,
Australia - the Gurindji Strike, the fight for Equal Pay for Women,
the BLF Green Bans, the 1991 protests to stop AIDEX, the 1910 Anti-Conscription
fight, the 1986 Victorian Nurses' Strike, the 1971 Anti-Springbok
Tour, the first Aboriginal Day of Mourning in 1938, Buga-Up!'s 1980s
anti-smoking campaign, and the fight for Queer Rights.
30th Birthday Celebrations
3CR celebrated the year with a number of different events and publications.
In addition to the Seeds of Dissent 2006! Calendar a Birthday Edition
of 3CR's twice yearly print magazine, CRAM Guide, was published
in colour and included articles on 3CR programs celebrating anniversary
years as well as listing the scores of programs which have been
on air for over 15 years.
Monday
May 1st 2006 marked 30 years since 3CRs first test broadcast
and we celebrated with a day of special programming. The May Day
broadcast included messages from those involved throughout the decades,
birthday wishes from our listeners, rare archival material and historical
interviews.
3CR's Festival of Dissent, 9 - 16 November, included the Seeds of
Dissent 2007! Calendar Launch with speakers Irene Bolger and Kevin
Healey; Media Workshops at Trades Hall; and a Cabaret of Dissent
featuring the best of the Fringe acts.
A 30th Birthday Party, 14 December, at Trades Hall saw performances
by Kutcha Edwards, Johnny Mac and Meriki. Speakers included Aunty
Joy Murphy, 3CR COM President Pier Moro, Nancy Atkin and Geoff Swanton.
The night commenced with the Beyond The Bars 3 CD launch.
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