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4ZzZ FM

An independent community radio station

Read the interview with Tracey Newman, Former Station Manager

4ZzZ is an independent community radio station, broadcasting local and underground music, as well as local and alternative news. It intends to provide a voice for community interests and concerns of marginalised groups in Brisbane that are unrepresented in mainstream media.

4ZzZ broadcasts various musical genres including, rock, hip-hop, indie, dancehall, punk, dub, reggae, noise, electronica, rockabilly, ska and drum and bass. Unlike some other radio stations, 4ZzZ does not rely on playlists for music content. Volunteer announcers can select the music, however they must adhere to legal Australian content requirements.

The programming structure of 4ZzZ is divided between shifts catering for a variety of musical tastes and interests and shifts that represent one particular musical genre or interest group. The station provides information on community issues for specific groups and interests, from politics, environment, gay and pop culture.

4ZzZ provides community access to radio and the radio industry. It endeavors to support local bands, artists and events and provides training for its volunteers.

The major sources of income for the station are subscriptions, promotions, and 4ZzZ events. All 4ZzZ fund-raising is independent.

4ZzZ was the first community broadcaster transmitting in stereo on the 8 December 1975. It began as an initiative of the University of Queensland (UQ) Media Committee, which formed out of the strong campus resistance movement of the 1970s, seeking to address Queensland’s political injustices and lack of freedom of expression. 4ZzZ began as an idea to start a pirate radio station and grew into a fully legitimate community station. As the station evolved, 4ZzZ grew away from its roots as a university radio station, developing its own identity as one of Brisbane’s alternative community radio stations.

Last updated by Abigail Benaud (2011-10-29)