SYNers are grinners: Communications minister Malcolm Turnbull meets the SYN radio leaders, left to right: Honni Mooy-Cox, Yen Eriksen, Bianca Gawith, Mr Turnbull, Sam Maloney and Jack Long. Photo: SYN Media
Matthew Cusack
SYN Nation, a new community digital radio station for young people with headquarters in Melbourne, is ready to add Byron Bay to their contributors.
The SYN Nation station which is run by SYN Media seeks to provide a platform for youth aged 12 to 25 to have their viewpoints heard at a national level via digital broadcast and internet streaming via syn.org.au
‘Since SYN Media launched in 2003 we’ve heard consistently from young people in other parts of the country who wish they had access to the types of opportunities we offer young people in Melbourne,’ SYN general manager Tahlia Azaria said in a media statement, ‘and now they can get involved without having to leave their town.’
The new radio station began officially broadcasting on 2 April, when it was launched by federal communications minister Malcolm Turnbull.
Soon the station intends to receive contributions from Canberra, Hobart, Gippsland, Warrnambool and Byron Bay, which is said to be only the beginning.
Minister Turnbull said the ‘project is innovative in the way it uses digital and online media and will help amplify the diverse voices of young people across this country.’
Media production in Byron Bay is being coordinated by 16-year-old Jack Long who will organise groups of young people from the local area to produce radio content for SYN Nation in partnership with BayFM.
‘I did some work experience at BayFM in year 10 where I met some good contacts like William Marsden, their production manager,’ Jack told Echonetdaily.
Jack is also a member of Byron Shire Youth Council and has co-ordinated the Byron Shire Youth Film Festival for the past two years.
A small group of young people started producing media at BayFM on Tuesday 6 May, however this early content is not expected to be picked up by SYN Nation for some weeks yet.
SYN Media is working to establish groups working on many different types of media production from all areas of the country for streaming from their website including videos and podcasts.
Those within the age boundaries interested in media production are encouraged to email Jack Long to get involved: [email protected]
