WESTERN TOURIST RADIO
By Akita Olsen
Ever driven past those large blue signs and wondered
what the Tourist Radio was all about?
Barry Green was such a person. One day while
driving he spotted the tourist radio sign
and thought "why not tune in and have
a listen?". He did just that but to his
disappointment he couldn't pick up any signal.
But Barry didn't just leave the situation
and drive off. He contacted the tourist
radio owner about the problems with the
radio. As Barry had 26 years experience
as a technician in the Communications &
Broadcast industry, he volunteered his time
to help correct the fault. By February 2001
Barry and wife Dale purchased the company.
He proceeded with enthusiasm to upgrade
the radio system and develop a new program format
that sought specifically to promote the local
businesses that create the distinct character
of each area. Though it has taken time, money
and effort to restore the tourist radio, the
reward has been becoming an asset to the tourist
industry in all the regional areas it covers.
Western Tourist Radio provides tourists (both local
and travelers) with information about things to do,
places to stay and services available in the south
west of Western Australia, via a network of tourist
radio stations. In doing so, they highlight aspects
of each region, with information and humorous anecdotes
on the history, industry, attractions and talents
of the people in the region.
The south west areas currently covered by the company
are Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Cowaramup (near
Margaret River) and Karridale (near Augusta), as well
as Perth City and the Swan Valley. In addition it
holds licences in a number of other locations including
Albany, Armadale, Denmark, Fremantle, Kalgoorlie,
Mt Barker, Mundaring and a number of sites on the
Eyre Highway.
The programs, produced in the south west by Firey
Productions, are presented by Hovea Grant, as well
as yarn spinner and comedian Jon Doust. They are informative
and entertaining and tell the story of the area from
a local perspective. Barry has also developed a web
site to compliment his stations which provides details
of the radio service, links to great local web sites,
upcoming events in the region and more. If you would
like to listen to the radio, their web site has their
frequency details - go to www.touristradio.com.au.
To contact Western Tourist Radio for comment, or
to present your unique business to listeners who are
specifically looking for things to do and places to
stay, contact Barry Green on (08) 9731 7006 or email
info@touristradio.com.au.
January 2002
