Radio 4RR - An Aboriginal Alternative on the Charleville Airwaves

Author: NIRS | Source: NIRS | Date: 26-10-04

Radio 4RR has a high profile in the local Charleville community

Radio 4RR has a high profile in the local Charleville community

Formed through the Bidjera Media Association, 4RR provided the Indigenous and wider community with national and local news and information, specialised music programming and, most importantly, a significant voice for Aboriginal people.

These days 4RR is still running strong, broadcasting 12 hours a day , and employing seven full time staff and CDEP (community development education program) participants.

Leading the station is the committed Station Manager, Karen Russell, who oversees the professional delivery of a variety of programming throughout the day.

Each morning Charleville listeners wake up to a local breakfast show that incorporates Murri and country music, including programs such as “Murri Contact” which focuses on Aboriginal issues. The station plays a variety of music throughout the day, and combined with likeable announcers, 4RR has become a well-supported local community station.

Station Manager Karen Russell believes it is crucial there is a radio station for Indigenous people in the region, who feel the commercial stations doesn't service their needs.

Karen has many hopes and aspirations for 4RR, and would like to see the station become a registered training organisation, so Aboriginal youth could be trained as the next generation of radio professionals and media workers.