Brisbane Youth Radio

Student Youth Network Inc., operating as SYN Media /sɪn/, is an Australian youth-run not-for-profit organisation providing media training and broadcasting opportunities for young people. Commonly referred to as SYN, the organisation produces new and independent media that is made by and for young people in Melbourne. Founded in 2000, today volunteers – all aged 12–25 years of age – produce a radio station broadcast on FM radio and DAB+ digital radio, as well as content for television, print and online. A 2006 McNair listener survey showed a similar age group, 15–24, as the largest age group listening to community radio in Australia.

Highland FM was founded in the late 1970s and began full-time broadcasting in 1987. Licensed as a Community Broadcaster, the station’s philosophy is to cater for local needs, mirror our community’s interests, entertain and inform as well as provide opportunities to train in radio skills and access to local airwaves. Primarily funded by its own resources, the station has no paid full-time staff and relies on volunteers for its operation and management.

Somer Valley FM is a Not for Profit Social Enterprise that exists exclusively for community gain. Serviced by over 200 volunteers it delivers quality local radio whilst meeting an ambitious programme of social gain objectives. The station provides training opportunities empowering people to make radio. With an established audience that is building Somer Valley FM provides a unique platform for individuals and community groups to get their voice heard across the region.

KCC Live has been a station at Knowsley Community College since December 2003. We were created by Sir George Sweeney, knighted for his work within education and then Principal of Knowsley Community College. The idea was to create an entertaining, work-based-learning environment which prioritised youth-engagement and work-disciplines, an ethos which had gained the college much recognition in the past. The station has always been run by three full-time staff, and although was always classed as a ‘student station’ by groups wishing to correspond with it, it has always had a professional approach to public service and giving young people a realistic and enriching experience of radio, unrivalled by other student or commercial stations. The aim from the beginning was to create a station which excited and informed, in equal measure. We have a clean record of serving our AM (medium wave) audience and have ran many campaigns including anti-bullying and anti-racism campaigns which have earned the support, involvement, and confidence of local community groups and individuals. Events have included many community broadcasts at key times, such as coverage live from John Lennon airport during terrorism restrictions, or comic relief events such as a live sport-relief mile and a 24 hour radio show for comic relief. We have recently been granted a 5 year FM licence to broadcast on 99.8FM. We provide ‘Community Radio with Attitude’. The station mixes the popular ‘wants’ and the social ‘needs’ of its audience with a hard working and creative approach to entertainment and social action. It is a station known for its passion for youth issues, stimulating / engaging community radio. KCC Live reflects the cultural energies and capabilities of young people from communities with large reserves of resilience and personality, despite the levels of economic deprivation.

At 96five our goal is to be the preferred radio station for families and that’s why we guarantee 100% family friendly radio… it’s our promise to families and that's what makes 96five so different. So what does Family Friendly mean? It means you’ll never hear rude lyrics or innuendo in any of the songs we play, our announcers are all friendly and you won’t hear any ‘questionable’ language, crude jokes or negativity, any time, day or night. On the other hand, you will hear great family tips and advice, positive music, information about family friendly events around Brisbane and an uncompromising message of hope. 96five has a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who all share these same values and are committed to make a positive difference in Brisbane. If you’d like to find out more about 96five, or you have some feedback, we’d love to hear from you.