Visit us at:

FAQ - frequently asked questions

• General questions
• Programming content, music
• Technical, including FM

General questions

	What do you mean by "Access" radio?
We are part of the Access radio network, and a member of the eleven-station Association of Community Access Broadcasters [ACAB]. New Zealand on Air assists Access stations financially, with the expectation that we: "- ensure that a range of broadcasts is available to provide for the interests of women, youth, children, persons with disabilities and minorities in the community, including ethnic minorities" (Section 36(c) of the Act). In June 1989, the Minister of Broadcasting issued a Directive to NZ On Air that says that "it is part of the general policy of Government in relation to broadcasting that access radio services should be available for a broad range of non-profit community groups"

	So you're a community radio station then?
Yes and no. We serve the community, we certainly represent the community, and we work hard to develop relationships with community groups, but Access stations do more than that. Read more about Access Radio.

	Who listens to Community Radio Hamilton?
In a nutshell - all sorts of people ! We don't target any one group, or any one generation, but strive to provide a range of programmes of interest to everyone.

Programming content, music

	Why do you have such a strange mix of shows?
We prefer to call it 'eclectic and varied' ! We take our aim of representing the entire community very seriously, and the result is a mix of shows that far exceeds commercial and community radio stations.

	Why do you have so many shows that I can't understand?
Migrant communities are an increasingly significant part of our wider community, and are specifically named as a priority group for Access Radio representation. We continue to invite all migrant and new settler communities to have a go at making radio, and are constantly delighted at the fresh and exciting shows they bring to our airwaves. Some of our very best shows are presented by migrant groups - have a listen, you might be suprised.

	Why don't you get some better DJs?
Everyone here is a volunteer, not a professional 'radio jock'. We represent everyone, and this comes across loud and clear. Mistakes get made, voices vary in their clarity, and often our presenters have English as a second (or third) language - that's the way Access Radio is, and we make no apologies for this !

	You used to play lots more country music - why did you change?
Yes, this station has in the past been dominated by country music, and had an all round 'easy listening' sound. This is not what Access radio is about, so gradually we have introduced a wider range of musical styles, appealing to all age groups. We still have plenty of country music for those who miss it - check our list of music shows.

	What happened to my favourite show? presenter?
All shows are hosted by volunteers, and they come and go. People leave town, people choose to take a break, new groups need to be accommodated, so our programme schedule gets adjusted - you can keep up with the latest schedule here.

	Who chooses the music?
The show hosts choose their own music, although the station selects feature albums in the weekday morning shows. Sometimes we use an automated 'jukebox' system to fill short term gaps in the schedule - this has over 2,000 varied musical selections at any one time, and we fill our jukebox with a variety of music that demonstrates the variety of shows we have.

Technical, including FM

	Where can I pick you up on FM?
We are broadcasting in what's called LPFM (low power FM) mode, in a part of the spectrum that allows small stations to broadcast without owning an expensive high power FM frequency. We're very lucky that our transmitter is positioned well, but this still means that our FM signal can only reach Hamilton city, and rarely further than that. Find out more about Hamilton's thriving LPFM scene on our LPFM page.

	I'm within that area, but I can't pick you up on FM. Why?!
There could be all sorts of reasons. To maximise your chances of picking us up clearly, we recommend: Using a digital tuner. This ensures you are tuned to precisely 106.7 Because the FM band is so crowded, you may experience occasional interference from other stations. If you are getting such interference, it may help to slightly adjust your aerial. Ensuring a proper FM aerial is installed. Many domestic tuners will pick up the large commercial stations without an external aerial - are you sure you have one fitted? Are you using a car stereo that has had a band expander fitted (this is a common mod for Japanese import cars)? These band expanders have a hugely detrimental effect on reception of LPFM signals and we recommend the use of a correct NZ optimised unit. Are you able to physically move your tuner? Sometimes turning it can help. Likewise, try moving the aerial. At the end of the day, if you live in a dip, or if there's a large immovable object (buildings, hills) between us and you, or adverse weather, this will affect the signal strength. There's nothing we can do about it, sorry. Our recommendation - listen to us on AM 1206. Our AM signal covers the entire Waikato region and more !

Do you still have a question you would like answered? Please use our feedback feature.