One such challenge was a complete renovation of the studios situated in the foyer of Artscape. The building of the new studios was funded by the Provincial government as part of the Artscape upgrade with a generous donation from Lottery, thus not depleting the membership fees and advertising revenue which keeps the station afloat.

Visitors to the theatre have watched with interest as the new studios evolved. From presenters hosting their programmes in the goldfish bowl of the old studios, to the move to the corner of the Marble foyer out of the public eye and now back to the revamped, smart new dwelling, presenters have become used to adapting to their surroundings.

The result is a modern new studio with state of the art equipment, light bright studios and a very funky new image.

Officially opening the studio complex Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, took to the airwaves to broadcast a message that confirmed the importance of community radio stations such as FMR 101.3.

“It is no contradiction when the province invests in such projects as the Artscape upgrade of which FMR is a part. FMR fulfils an important role by contributing to a vibrant arts and culture community and broadcasting to a wide variety of listeners. Nurturing arts and culture encourages the growth of the City by attracting people to live here, bringing tourists and investments and ultimately job opportunities thus improving the economy. ” Zille said.

Moving to the official venue her words to the gathered audience of volunteers, presenters, staff and clients were simple and direct underlining what she had said on air. She then unveiled the commemorative plaque which will be displayed in the studios and cut the birthday cake celebrating 17 years of broadcasting.

Station Manager Victoria Cawood is delighted the construction work is completed. "Working as we did for many months with drills, dust and hammering in the background during the remodelling was a challenge. Presenters and staff gallantly rose to the challenge stepping over rubble, ducked under ladders and removed dust sheets to ensure they could present their programme. We are all pleased that the construction has been completed and we are settling into the new studios."

In July 1995, FMR started broadcasting their 24 hour per day service from Longkloof Studios in Kloof Street, moving to the marble foyer in Artscape in 2000. Visitors to the theatre complex are always intrigued by the workings of the station.

FMR 101.3 provides its community with a service that is not offered by any other radio station- the combination of fine classical music and jazz interspersed with news and entertainment features has proved to be an ongoing success. Add to that an educational slant which provides a training ground for those interested in a career in broadcasting and its associated skills and it is a winning formula.

The service is dependent on its volunteers who broadcast for the love of the station and the programmes they host. This has not detracted from the professionalism of the presenters who benefit from an engaged and active station management and a program of ongoing training of all staff both volunteer and paid.

FMR’s role in supporting live music, art and drama within its community is undisputed. Providing publicity and marketing support through on-air interviews, playing of local musicians new CDs and sponsoring music competitions through its relationship with major patrons has given the station high credibility and brand FMR has an enviable reputation.

As a community station and with no support from the national fiscus, funds are always an issue but innovative projects have seen the station stabilise. All income is derived from voluntary donations and membership of the FMR Association (which currently number in excess of 2 600 paying a subscription of R280 per annum), programme sponsorship and airtime sales.

With the new studios the outlook for FMR is positive as the station goes from strength to strength.