The B side story
B Side FM is a low power, FM radio station broadcasting from premesis in Boon Street, Whakatane. Our focus in on alternative music and culture with a community focus. The broadcast frequency is 88.4 MHz and can be received within the Whakatane township.
B-Side was established by Jake and Arlene Neal in 2006 and is staffed part-time by enthusiastic volunteers who produce music shows with a local bias. When live shows are not on air, a "robot" takes over, playing a mix of local and international music and announcements.
Our Name
The name B side fm represents the B side of a vinyl record. These songs on the B side are rarely played and usually everyone just listens to the big hit that is played on mainstream TV and radio. So our job is to educate and inform people of the masses of music that is available yet not accessible through the main channels of media . Along with the music comes the cultural and alternative lifestyles that are once again not given exposure through mainstream media vehicles. A la B side fm is here to do the job.
Our Mission
To promote/encourage/embrace
(comm)-unity through
alternative, accessible music radio
Listen to interview with Luke Carey, 14 year old school boy, on Yo Soy Latte show, 2008. (WMA 3.41MB, Windows Media Player required)
The Future
B Side fm has recently been granted a Non commercial radio frequency to broadcast from mount Putuaki. At the moment we are broadcasting on a low power radio license from Boon st Whakatane. Which gives us limited coverage and audience. So thanks to the opportunity we have been given from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, we can expand and grow . This of course is going to cost money , lots of it. Funding is our key to getting the equipment we need to broadcast to a prospective audience of 50 000 people.
Our reporters are always on the scene... of the party!
The Service
We will provide a voice for the community that will not be tainted by commercial radio. Allowing a platform for the minority groups in the community to speak honestly and openly. Let people know about local events, services , courses , how to be a part of a group and not feel ostracized. And also not swaying from our vision of basing it all around alternative music . Which brings all these different people together to listen , talk and share ideas .
Only the latest technology is employed in the B-Side Studios
SHOUT OUTS!
We're all about the shouts at Bside so first lets just say hi to a few people, the sponsors, the Berg's building posse, The Bean Crew, DJ L30n, Ashley, Barefoot Johnny, Barnaby, Rob da builder, Sonny, House of Rhythm, John R, Pampurrs Hair Studio, Graham's Hi-Fi, the hard workers at Kopeopeo fish shop, John Bell, the families, the kids... if you want a shout, contact us!
Special thanks to Steve Pohe for our Bside Logo, Ben Pickering for the Bside stickers, John F, Daniel Larsen, The Bean, D.S. Des n family, Simon, Abraham n family, Tait Kora, Kristy, Richie, Michael, Lee n family, Debs and My Music from Da Love Family.