As a follow-on to that post I had about community radio and FBi recently, here's what I got in my email today: an actual communication from FBi to say what they've been up to...

Has your membership expired? You can check your expiry date on your membership card. If you do need to renew your membership please fill out the attached form and return it to FBi. If you have any questions about your membership status feel free to email us on info@fbiradio.org.au

Why should you renew your membership?
FBi needs your financial support. By becoming an FBi member you are directly supporting the development of the station and the future of good radio in Sydney. We are asking you to make an investment in your listening pleasure now. It also means that you can participate in decision making at the station and you are eligible for all member privileges.

Including the privilege of paying $60 at full rate as opposed to the flat $20 they were asking for 18 months ago when they got their licence. Oh yes, their licence which stipulated they were to be on air by June this year... and what about that extension they got to it, didn't their website say it'd be late this year that they'd finally hit the airwaves?

WHEN IS FBI GOING TO AIR ? //
FBi 94.5fm will launch in June 2003.

In other words, at this rate we can probably expect them to hit the airwaves circa January 2004...

We would like to get to air sooner. The main reason for the delay is we are in the process of negotiating a spot on one of the main transmission infrastructures in town to carry our fabulously strong signal (150 kW max). It is not as simple as sticking a pole on top of a high building as we have done in the past during test transmissions (half of 1kW). This infrastructure is very costly and likely to be in place for a good 10 years we want to get it right and this takes time.

It's taken plenty of time already, too. Sorry, but I am not yet convinced that my now expired membership particularly needs renewing...

posted by James Russell | 3:11 PM