‘Cool’ sounds on air

What does a refrigerator and one of Invercargill’s newest radio stations have in common. Contents that are "cool, fresh and good", one of the organisers says. The Fridge, 87.8FM started broadcasting this month from the Central Baptist Church. The content for the station has been compiled by Middleton Grange School students in Christchurch. Middleton Grange teacher Warren Judkins said the school community had contacts throughout the country and Invercargill was the latest town to broadcast the station. "We started relaying our signal to other towns and cities where we know people, and there are several Southland families as part of our school." He was grateful for the support of people who made the broadcast possible. "The Invercargill stations couldn’t have come on air if it wasn’t for the generosity and hospitality of many Southland people and their willingness to help."

The broadcasts started in Christchurch in 2018 after a student broached the idea.

The aim of the content was to "build faith, speak truth and bring joy".

"Students and staff suggest songs, which are selected consistent with the school’s special character — ‘whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy’."

Other content comprised stories of people’s lives, sermons and interviews with pastors, missionaries, ministry leaders and community members about a range of topics. NZME provides news updates each hour.

It was a good opportunity for students, he said.

High-quality broadcast software had been donated so students had an industry standard on-air experience. Aside from learning how to operate the equipment, they also became aware of the importance of their words and how to speak in public.

The project was very worthwhile, he said.

"We have seen many answers to prayer and are grateful to God for his favour and provision."

The station runs non-stop but has live shows before and after school, and at interval and lunch.

Each student pairs up with a friend for a halfhour show. The station can also be listened to online and the station’s website has details on how listeners can have input into the content. A second station called The Bible FM,106.7FM, broadcasts the New Testament of the Bible from Eastside Baptist Church. Eastside Baptist Church pastor Chris Lee said he often listened to the radio stations when working in his office or driving his car. "I think it’s wonderful." He enjoyed hearing young people read the Bible. It was easy to listen to and the reader was changed regularly. "It’s really neat."