FM 98.5 The Pulse of the Valleys, Shepparton, Victoria

LUCKY SHOPPER WINS $1550.00

Travelling around Australia has its rewards, and for Queensland couple Francis and Ross Morris, who visit the Goulburn Valley region each year, the rewards were sweet when they were issued with the winning "Lucky $10 Note".
A chance shop at The Shepparton Marketplace over the weekend meant Francis had a few $10 notes floating around in her purse. Upon listening to FM 98.5, Francis realised she had something special tucked up in there. The "Lucky $10 Note" was worth $1550 and Francis had the winning serial code. Congratulations to Francis and Ross on their win and special thanks to the Shepparton Marketplace for their involvement in this hugely popular competition. We hope to see Francis and Ross back next year.
Pictured from left to right: Tarryn Zurcas from Shepparton Marketplace, Francis Morris, Ross Morris and FM 98.5 General Manager Graeme Macartney

AGM 22nd OCTOBER GUNNA BACK FOR ANOTHER YEAR

This years Annual General Meeting was held at the Terminus Hotel in Shepparton on Monday 22nd October and saw Kevin Ryan returned unopposed for his sixth term as Chairman.
Sev Cortese, Neil Short and Greg Edelmaier were elected as Directors for the next two years and will join Barry Connolly, Peter McPhee, John Gray and Daryl McKenzie on the board.
Finance Director Daryl McKenzie reported a trading profit of $53,247 from an annual turnover of $499,436.98. A magnificent result for the year.
Other highlights of the meeting were the presentation
of a Recognition of Service Award to Rae Matthews.
Rae served as Presenters Rep. on the board for 4
years and has been an energetic contributor to the
station. General Manager Graeme Macartney received
Life Membership to the station and retiring Director
Gordon Pendlebury was presented with a certificate
of appreciation for his contribution.

The Annual Report can be viewed here.

FM 98.5 HAS A FACELIFT

FM 98.5 has had a new face lift, with painters completing a new color scheme for our Parkside Drive, Shepparton studio’s. This, combined with a complete internal revamp, completes 12 months of renovations. All that remains is a new studio console which will make FM 98.5 have one of the most modern studio’s in Australia.

FM 98.5 GOES DIGITAL

FM 98.5 has just installed a Klotz Digital console which is
believed to be the first for a regional community based
station. The Aeon Console was commissioned in December
with announcers currently being trained in its usage.
The state of the art technology, from one of the worlds
leading manufacturers of digital technology, gives FM 98.5
the flexibility to provide a more comprehensive coverage of
local events. FM 98.5 technical staff headed by Paul
Waters, spent many hours during November ensuring
theconsole was ready for operation. General Manager
Graeme Macartney said the station has prided itself on
providing a number of people that have gone on to careers
in commercial radio. Digital is the way of the future and
this equipment will further enhance employment prospects.
Klotz Digital supply a large number to the ABC stations
with digital consoles similar to the one recently installed at FM 98.5, so we're using an
industry standard unit. The Studio One upgrade has just been completed at a cost of $37,000 and is on top of extensions and renovations to the Parkside Drive complex, which continues to ensure that the Goulburn Valley has Australia's most progressive community broadcaster.

FM 98.5 RECOGNISED FOR EXCELLENCE

The X Awards at SCMA's National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference recognize excellence in community broadcasting and showcases the talent Australia-wide. FM 98.5's News Director, Rod Shephard picked up Best Locally Produced News for the 2nd consecutive year, while current affairs presenter John Harbord received Best Interview for the 3rd year, Multi-Media Trainee Matt La Porta won Best In-House Production of a Show Promotion and Technician Paul Watters took home the Klotz Digital Technical Achievement Award. View more information here

VIDEO TOUR OF FM 98.5

View the Virtual Tour of FM 98.5 on Youtube here. See the studios, presenters, staff, technical room and much more.

NEW IMAGE FOR OUTSIDE BROADCAST VAN

FM 98.5s outside broadcast van has undergone a facelift in preparation for the 2008 football season.
The support of our major football sponsors HW Greenham and Sons, Veolia Environmental Services, Hartwigs Trucks and GV Hyrdalink has been recognized with the additions of their logos on the left hand side of the truck along with the new SheppOnline logo.
So, goodbye to Rex Hunt and hello to our 2008 sponsors.