Discussion Corner

This will be a regular feature each month for those who would like to open up discussion amongst volunteers about matters relating to the station. You can email your submissions to manager@5gtr.net

Thank you to The Smith for the first contribution.

1. Soccor BBQ
At the volunteers meeting 3/3/09, Nathan asked for discussion through this site and others about our commitment to the Junior Soccer B.B.Q. (Can anyone actually spell BBQ in full these days?) - should we continue this year or not and who is prepared to take on the workload?

Apart from last year when other issues got in the way, I have been a member of the workforce since we first began out at Tenison several years ago and I have seen how it has become accepted by patrons as a part of the occassion on Saturday mornings. And, while it means a bit of work behind the counter and the grill, it has also been the source of a hell of a lot of fun what with B.B.Q's catching fire and bamboozling the kids with their change and it has also provided substantial income for the Station. That's income that has enabled you to sit and enjoy working with quality equipment (check out some other Stations) with little input.

The Roster system that has been applied in recent years needs overhauling because it tended to impose an obligation on members rather than invoke that "volunteer" spirit. However it did behove many members to understand what is going on on these few short Saturday mornings and I am sure that the "volunteer" spirit is raring to go.

So, yes, I believe that we should continue with this valuable fundraiser again this year and perhaps a list of dates and shifts could be put up on the Notice Board so that those who really want to help the Station can put their own names down in a preferred spot(s) where they feel they could volunteer their services. Some adjustments to the final Roster may well be required but at least we would have a list of people enthusiastic about 5GTR-FM on the board.
The Smith

2. Talk Back Radio
Discussion about our 7 second delay system for Talk Back Radio has been steady for many years and the issue was raised again at our Volunteers Meeting 3/3/09 and every discussion brings us a step closer to having the facility operative. I feel it is a facility that should have been operating for a while now.

I believe however that this can be a powerful and dangerous tool in the hands of Presenters and consequently I would like to renew an earlier suggestion that, when it is in place, it is not a facility that everyone can just use "carte blanche". If not used sensibly and correctly, the system can put the Station - and members - in jeopardy through legal defamation issues, through our Broadcasting Licence obligations and through who knows how many other matters.

Consequently I suggest that we should devise a Training programme that aspirants wanting to use the facility can work through. I believe that training should be a one-on-one course - not groups of 3,6,10....as I feel presenters need to make sure they get it right, not just drift along at the back of the pack. I believe the training should take perhaps 8 -10 hours to complete and include several "test" phone calls. I feel that we should issue a Licence to those who complete the course satisfactorily and that the only people who participate in a "Talk Back" session must hold such a Licence.

Now I realise that this is perhaps a suggestion that should go straight to the Board however there may be others of you out there that have a view on this issue and discussion in these pages may be helpful to the Board setting any criteria for the facility.
The Smith

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