4ZZZ

Encyclopedia : 4 : 4Z : 4ZZ : 4ZZZ

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4ZZZ is an independent community radio station operating in Brisbane, Australia, at the frequency 102.1 FM.

History

Planning for the station began in 1971; the station was granted a low power licence in 1974. The station began transmission on 8th December 1975 as the first FM community broadcaster in Brisbane transmitting in stereo.

4ZZZ was eventually granted a full licence on 30 November 1978. When the licence was granted 4ZZZ was ready to commence broadcasting from Mt Coot-tha to the greater Brisbane area because station volunteers had built a transmitter hut and mast there prior to the station being granted the licence.

On 14 December 1988, 4ZZZ was taken off air and forcibly evicted from its University of Queensland premises by the then student union executive. While university students rallied to support the station, 4ZZZ moved to alternative premises on Coronation Drive in the suburb of Toowong. In 1992 the station moved to its current premises on St Paul's Terrace, Fortitude Valley.

Station philosophy and funding

The motto for the station is agitate, educate, organise. 4ZZZ aims to challenge the mainstream media by providing access for the community to radio, by supporting local bands, artists and events, by providing training for station volunteers, and by disseminating alternative news and current affairs.

All fundraising is run by the station. The main sources of income are subscriptions, promotions and 4ZZZ events. 4ZZZ collaborates with local businesses, gig promoters, etc. to provide incentives such as discounts for subscribers.

Programming

As a community radio station 4ZZZ broadcasts a wide variety of music and news. Presenters do not have to follow a playlist. Programming is divided into two types of shifts, 'strip' shifts that broadcast a wide variety of music and information and 'block' shifts that cater to a specific group of listeners. Block shows currently on air include:

The Anarchy Show, Demo Show, Jazz Show, News, Prisoners' Show, Nothing But The Blues, Rock 'n Roll Show, Punk Rock Show, Peace & Environment Show, Queer Radio, Dykes on Mikes, SkaTrek, Movie Show, New Zealand Show, New Release Show, Zed Top Five, The Yard, Brisbane Line, Crucial Cuts, Art to Lunch, World Beat, Megaherz, Hell Metal, Black-beat, Urban Method, and the Phat Tape Hip Hop Show.

Strip shift presenters play music of their choice but follow guidelines: a minimum of 15% local content, 30% Australian content, 30% songs by female artists and 30% new releases must be played during each show.

4ZZZ events

Since New Year's Day 1977 the station has broadcast the results of a music poll called the Hot 100. Throughout its history 4ZZZ has run yearly outdoor festivals of local music, called Market Days. Due to organizing difficulties and lack of funds, Market Day has not been held since 2002, though one is planned for December 2005. A yearly Radiothon, with prizes is held to gain new subscriptions and encourage the renewal of subscriptions. 4ZZZ also promotes numerous concerts and events throughout the course of the year.

1996 market day riots

Cybernana Market day was held on 19 October 1996 in Musgrave Park, West End. During the night, a large police presence was seen patrolling the area outside the fence around the Park. There were several arrests for alleged drug possession and other minor street offences. At around 8.20 p.m. a severe storm hit without warning and organisers were forced to close the event. Within 10 minutes more than half of the crowd had left and police began to appear in larger numbers.

It is estimated that more than 100 police were mobilised, including mounted police, military police, and police from the Public Safety Response Team equipped with riot gear. The arrival of such large numbers of police at less than 10 minutes notice indicated that police were on stand-by for the attack. Crowds sheltering in tents were physically forced from the park, people attending the event were beaten with batons and arrested. Police had claimed to the media that they were responding to a 'riot situation'.

Complaints were made to the Criminal Justice Commission but no police were ever reprimanded.

References

• Olah, P. 2003. 4ZZZ market day riots of 1996. [link]
• 4ZZZ Homepage, About 4ZZZ [link]

 

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