NEWS: UK RADIO STATIONS SUPPORT TSUNAMI APPEAL

by GRANT GODDARD

www.grantgoddard.co.uk January 2005

Many UK radio stations have rallied to support victims of the tsunami disaster. 'Sunrise Radio' has raised more than 110,000 through on-air appeals. Its news coverage of events has been enhanced by reports from 'ABC Radio', a Sri Lankan station owned by Sunrise. 'Club Asia' has joined forces with the 'B4U' TV channel and 'Eastern Eye' newspaper to promote the Disaster Emergency Committee website and phone line within its programmes. 'BBC Asian Network' has designed a special web page to update its listeners about the disaster and publicise the fundraising efforts. 'Broadland 102' listeners contributed 28,000 to an impromptu eight-hour radio auction that pre-empted the stations normal programming. The two hundred items donated by local businesses included a snooker cue from Norwich player Barry Pinches and signed by many of the worlds top snooker players, which sold for 270. Presenter Rob Chandler, who launched the live auction during his breakfast show, told the local press: "We were worried people would be skint after Christmas or, at least, suffering from back-to-work blues. But listeners have been incredible." One of the most popular items was a ride in the back of an unmarked police car accompanied by four motorbike escorts, which was donated by Norfolk Constabulary and raised 500. "All the money collected from selling lots on the air will be forwarded to the Disasters Emergency Committee to provide fresh water, food, medicine and shelter for the thousands of people affected," explained Chrissie Jackson, the breakfast show co-host. Steve Martin, Broadland programme controller, praised the efforts of his staff and said the amount raised exceeded expectations. He said: "We were sitting around on Tuesday morning thinking there must be something we can do to help and, two days later, we managed to auction two hundred items and managed to raise 28,000. It has been wonderful to be part of it." At 'BBC Radio Cornwall', listeners donated hundreds of Christmas presents that the station raffled at Lemon Quay in Truro, with funds donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee. Assistant editor Daphne Skinnard said: "When I came back to work after Christmas, I felt strongly that we as a station should do something to raise money towards the Tsunami disaster. I came up with the idea of asking people to donate their unwanted gifts and the response has been truly unbelievable. It's only been a few days and we've already received hundreds and hundreds of gifts brand new watches, jigsaws, games, books and even a bike worth nearly 1,000. 'Capital Gold' in Birmingham organised a 27-hour fundraising marathon that started 7am on Monday 10 January 2005. Presenter Tom Ross was joined in the studio by comedian Jasper Carrott, UB40s Astro, 'Pop Idol' finalist Hayley Evetts, Aston Villa secretary Steve Stride and Blues chairman David Gold, inviting listeners to pledge money to hear their favourite oldies. There hasnt been a single one of us who hasnt been deeply moved by the tragedy in South East Asia, Ross told the local press. What really brought it home to me was that, while people here were fighting in the sales for a bargain, people over there were fighting for a mouthful of fresh water.

News: UK Radio Stations Support Tsunami Appeal 2005 Grant Goddard

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'Media Week' magazine is co-ordinating the Tsunami Appeal Media Auction, in which 1.2m value of advertising space is being auctioned, with bids paid to the Disaster Emergency Committee. Donations include 30,000 of airtime from Capital Radio Group, 20,000 of 'Galaxy' or 'LBC' airtime from Chrysalis, and 55,000 airtime from The Wireless Group on 'TalkSport' and its local stations.

[First published in 'The Radio Magazine' as 'UK Radio Supports Tsunami Appeal', #666, 15 January 2005]

Grant Goddard is a media analyst / radio specialist / radio consultant with thirty years of experience in the broadcasting industry, having held senior management and consultancy roles within the commercial media sector in the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia. Details at http://www.grantgoddard.co.uk

News: UK Radio Stations Support Tsunami Appeal 2005 Grant Goddard

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