City Somerset West Frequency 93.6 FM | Slogan Here for you First air date 1995 | |
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Broadcast area Western Cape, South Africa Format Easy-listening music, news and Informative Programmes | ||
Radio Helderberg Is a community radio station situated in the Helderberg basin area of the Western Cape, South Africa. They broadcast on FM at a frequency of 93.6. The Radio station is the only one located in Somerset West.
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History
Radio Helderberg went on air at 06h00 on 1 July 1995, broadcasting on the frequency of 95.9FM from Southey Vines, Somerset West. The first announcer on air was Martin Bailie, previously a breakfast DJ on a national commercial radio station, 5FM. He now presents an afternoon show on BBC Radio Cornwall. Other presenters making up the first day's schedule were Keren Bracey, Andre Michael & Nik Blundell. The value of this fledgling community radio station was first illustrated during a fire at the nearby AECI chemical plant in 1995, when clouds of poisonous gas enveloped Somerset West and Macassar. The volunteer presenters continued to broadcast throughout the night, becoming the central drop-off point for food and clothing donations, and providing hints and tips to panicked listeners.
Initially broadcasting for 15 hours a day, the station broadcasts a wide range of MOR music, interviews and community notices in three languages – English, Afrikaans and Xhosa, 24 hours a day.
In September 1996 the station relocated to premises in the Somerset Mall from where the volunteer presenters and a full-time staff of six kept the station going. Radio Helderberg has grown from a charitable association to a business, flourishing on advertising income only.
At the end of January 2004, Radio Helderberg once again relocated and is currently situated at Garden Pavilion in the Somerset West Business Park. With listeners from every corner of the basin and beyond, Radio Helderberg has become a business which continues to be there for the community to support them in their endeavours and to entertain, educate and inform.
It changed to stronger transmitter, now broadcasting on 93.6FM which reaches as far as the southern suburbs and Riviersonderend. Longtime presenters include Fanie Bam (deceased 2008), Erna Ridge, Nik Blundell, Neil Ovens, John Floyd, Kobus Schmidt, Mike Plummer (deceased 2007), Tommy Dell and Marius Dippenaar.
Current Studios
The Studios are located at the corner of N2 & Hazelden road, at Maxi Farm Garden Paradise, Somerset West Business Park.