Loud and Local: Community Connect Hits the Airwaves

A new community media initiative is set to give charities, schools, sports clubs, cultural groups, community organisations, and local content creators a dedicated platform to share their stories with the wider Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Called Community Connect, the initiative has been established by the Eastern Bay Media Trust to create an inclusive, community-focused media service where local people can tell their own stories through radio, podcasts, online streaming, and digital media.

The project aims to make it easier for organisations that often struggle to access mainstream media by providing affordable access to professional recording studios, production support, technical assistance, and mentoring.

The Trust say the goal is simple: to ensure every community has the opportunity to be heard.

"Our region is full of people doing incredible things every day," it said.

"Community Connect is about giving those people and organisations a place to tell their stories, celebrate achievements, share ideas, and strengthen connections across the Eastern Bay."

The initiative continues a tradition that dates back more than 50 years.

In 1973, Radio Whakatāne (now Radio 1XX) Programme Director Brian Strong announced that the station's facilities would be made available to sporting, service, and community organisations so they could receive the widest possible publicity for their activities.

Community Connect builds on that philosophy by creating an advertisement-free platform dedicated entirely to community voices.

Local organisations will be able to record interviews, community discussions, talk programmes, and podcasts using professional broadcast facilities, with support from experienced staff and volunteers.

Workshops and mentoring will also be available to help participants develop confidence in broadcasting, storytelling, and media production.

Once produced, programmes will be shared across several platforms, including live online streaming, podcasts through the BayPlay website and app, and FM radio throughout the Whakatāne township, ensuring people without reliable internet access can still listen.

A strong emphasis will be placed on representing the diverse communities that make up the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

The Trust plans to work closely with Māori, Pasifika communities, rangatahi, older residents, people living with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to encourage multilingual and bicultural programming.

One regular feature, Voices of the Bay, will showcase different communities, organisations, and individuals, highlighting the stories that make the Eastern Bay unique.

Between local programmes, listeners can enjoy music from Eastern Bay artists, New Zealand musicians, and a selection of classic favourites.

Looking to the future, the Trust hopes to introduce broadcasting scholarships and internships for students interested in journalism, broadcasting, and media production, helping develop the next generation of local media professionals.

Community Connect will operate under the governance of the Eastern Bay Media Trust, with trustees overseeing its charitable purpose and ensuring it remains focused on serving the community.

While some initiatives will be introduced over time, the immediate priority is providing affordable access to professional production facilities and creating opportunities for local organisations to connect with audiences.

The Eastern Bay Media Trust believes Community Connect will become a lasting community asset that celebrates local achievements, strengthens community connections, and ensures every voice has the opportunity to be heard.

Community organisations, schools, and clubs interested in becoming involved or supporting the initiative are encouraged to contact the Eastern Bay Media Trust by emailing connect@1xx.co.nz.