Introduction
FreshFM is a not-for-profit charitable trust funded by NZ On Air, grants and donations to provide a voice for the many voices of our community.
Our vision is that FreshFM should reflect the aspirations, creativity, experiences, stories and music of the people who live in Te Tauihu The Top of The South, and through our broadcast frequencies and on-line services, share those things with the world.
FreshFM is the only community access radio station in Te Tauihu The Top of The South and the only one in New Zealand operating over such a wide region and using studios in multiple locations. We have studios in Blenheim, Nelson, Motueka and Tākaka.
We broadcast across the Nelson/Tasman region on 104.8, Eastern Golden Bay on 95.0 and Blenheim on 88.9. We also operate a low powered FM transmitter covering inner Nelson city areas on 107.2
History
The story of FreshFM captures the dedication and foresight of individuals whose belief in local radio for the Nelson/Tasman region gave rise initially to two stations – Boulder Radio, based in Nelson city, and Harvest Radio which operated from Te Āwhina Marae in Motueka. In the mid 1990s, under the umbrella of the Tasman Broadcasting Trust, the individual talents of the Boulder and Harvest teams were brought together to form FreshFM. FreshFM broadcasts from studios in Nelson, Motueka and Takaka to a combined population base of over 150,000 people.
Format
FreshFM is a community access station, producing content made by, for and about people in our region. Our programme mix includes drama, music and documentaries that reflect Te Tauihu The Top of The South. Our programme makers represent the Nelson/Tasman and Marlborough regions in the broadest sense. They are passionate individuals, giving their own time to make radio programmes that reflect the life stream of our community.
Our contract with NZ On Air provides funding which covers a proporation of our operating costs. We are required to meet the shortfall through limited general advertising, programme sponsorship, listener support, grants and donations.