Requests to Algoa FM to extend its broadcast footprint into the Garden Route from local businesses and listeners led to the station applying for a licence to expand its transmitter network to include the region 10 years ago.
“A big ‘thank you’ to all those who invited Algoa FM to be a part of their community a decade ago,” says Algoa FM managing director Alfie Jay.
The station is running a number of competitions for Garden Route listeners as part of its 10-year celebration.
Jay freely admits that his visits to the Garden Route to meet with the business chambers, business leaders and listeners, are highlights that he looks forward to long in advance.
Algoa FM can be heard from as far south as Mossel Bay, extending all the way up to the Wild Coast and inland through the Karoo.
The station has experienced steady growth in its Garden Route audience, with Lance du Plessis presenting a Garden Route-focused drive show every weekday afternoon.
“Successful radio relies on trust – from both listeners and advertisers,” says Jay.
“So, we say thank you to the listeners who put their faith in us to keep them informed about the things that matter to them as Garden Route residents.
“And thank you to the local businesses, which have put their trust in Algoa FM partnerships to help them move products off their shelves,” he adds.
This relationship stretches back a decade, according to sales manager Dennis Karantges.
“We still have some original advertisers on air with us, from when we first went ‘live’ 10 years ago.
“Three of our original Garden Route advertisers, Kloppers, Watsons Meat and Van Rensburgs Foods have all expanded their footprint in partnership with us.
“Algoa FM has hosted competitions, as well as birthday and promotional activities,” he says.
“We love connecting with the Garden Route,” says programme manager Baydu Adams, who freely admits it is one of his favourite regions.
“Being there is like a working holiday, particularly when we are involved in the many festivals hosted in the region. The people are so friendly,” he adds.
Events in which Algoa FM has been involved include the Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Oyster Festival, the Strawberry Festival, and the Reed Valley Wine Farm Family Festival.
Algoa FM celebrities have also, hosted many beach roadshows from Hartenbos in Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay.
For four hours every weekday afternoon, there is a dedicated Garden Route broadcast during drive time, which provides Lance du Plessis, the show’s presenter, with an opportunity to focus on the music, information and news which informs and entertains listeners.
“Algoa FM is the first commercial radio station to cater specifically for the Garden Route.
It’s always a comforting and homely feeling to hear Lance’s show play at shopping centres and filling station forecourts while visiting the region,” he adds.
“The advantage of broadcasting a dedicated four-hour Garden Route Drive Show allows us to create unique promotional and conversational opportunities for the businesses operating in the market,” adds Karantges.
According to Algoa FM marketing manager Lesley Geyer, the station is also involved in supporting the community.
For Mandela Day 2020, Algoa FM supported a donation drive in partnership with the George Municipality to feed thousands of people affected by the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
The station also supports the annual Outeniqua Wheelchair Challenge.
Numerous charities have also benefitted from the opportunity to introduce themselves and their work during the weekly Algoa Cares slot.
“As the Covid-19 restrictions ease, we plan to be more active in the region.
“Plans include an Algoa FM charity golf day, as well as a number of partnerships with events and companies in the Garden Route,” she adds.
