Hazel Molloy knows firsthand the important role that community radio plays.
Hazel, who is a student at Golden Bay High School, volunteers her time once a fortnight to host a community radio show, named Jam, aimed at connecting with the youth in the area.
“I’ve been hosting the Jam show for almost four years, and I love it,” Hazel says.
“I talk about youth events, interview interesting people, play music and have friends come on and chat about what’s going on for them.”
Hazel says that she also talks about things that are happening for her in the hope that others listening can relate.
Recently on the show, Hazel interviewed Lewis Langford, a young local, on what it was like to grow up on a working farm.
They discussed the importance of agriculture in New Zealand and the impacts and lessons he’s learnt growing up on a farm.
Although the show is aimed at youth, it has a wide range of listeners, and the shows are recorded and rebroadcasted at other times.
New Zealand was an early adopter of radio. The first identified broadcast of a radio programme was in November 1921 and was made from the University of Otago by a physics professor named Robert Jack and included music as well as commentary.
By the end of 1923 stations were broadcasting from Dunedin, Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington, Whanganui, Gisborne, and Auckland.
Radio became a valuable source for reliable real-time information and news for listeners, and community radio provides a variety of functions that directly support its local community.
Youth radio shows are popular throughout New Zealand and provide a space for young people to engage in their communities and talk about what is most important to them. It also educates the greater public about the concerns and interests of young people.
Hazel’s experience with radio broadcasting has highlighted how much she enjoys working in media, and as a result, she is considering studying marketing and communications when she finishes high school.
“There’s heaps of job opportunities out there and I really enjoy it, so I’m looking at my options,” Hazel says.
“Although I talk about serious topics, I try to keep it light and have a good laugh.”
If you are keen to tune in with Hazel then dial in on 95.0 FM Eastern Golden Bay, 88.9 FM in Marlborough, 104.8 FM in Nelson/Tasman, 107.2 FM in the Nelson CBD.
