Culture

from James Milne aka Lawrence Arabia regarding the future of Dunedin's Radio One.

"To whom it may concern,
This is a note in support of the ongoing work of Radio One within the context of the OUSA and the Dunedin community as a whole.
Over the past eight years as a professional musician, (with bands The Brunettes and The Reduction Agents, and over the past five years, as Lawrence Arabia) it has been my great pleasure to have regular dealings with the staff and volunteers at Radio One. I wouldn't hesitate to say they are my favourite of all the student radio network stations – a compact and efficient group of music lovers – also politically engaged, deep thinkers, and passionate folks all round.
The station provides an invaluable link between touring musicians (and indeed artists/writers/politicians/etc etc) and the community of Dunedin. From the perspective of a musician, R1 staff and volunteers not only interview you and provide promotion of the show, but in the past have actively helped recommend local support acts, sourced last minute equipment for the show, danced right up the front at the show and provided a place to stay afterwards! This level of passion and enthusiasm is utterly invaluable, and it has been felt by the entire touring music community of New Zealand at some point.
Without Radio One's input in these myriad ways, there is a chance that touring bands would be reluctant to tour Dunedin – without this central cultural/media focus that Radio One provides for these events, there's a real chance they could dwindle, in a place that is quite risky/expensive to tour to, given the distance travelled and the smallish population of Dunedin.
This is just one perspective on the totally amazing job that Radio One does in Dunedin and I won't labour on about the others, cos this is the part I know about – what I've personally experienced.
But briefly!
Radio One:
– is an incubator for media talent (e.g. Sam Hayes – TV3 and Emma Smith – Radio NZ)
– helps young people engage directly with political issues
– is a vital connection between town and gown
– supports cultural events on campus that would not otherwise happen without the knowledge and enthusiasm of R1 staff
– is the only radio station that supports local music/art/literature I wholeheartedly support the continued funding/support of Radio One by OUSA. I think they're bloody brilliant.
Yours sincerely,
James Milne" 
Radio One91fm is under threat. To find out exactly what is going on and to show your support visit r1.co.nz