The Star catches up with broadcaster Wayne Osborne from Lake Macquarie FM.
How long has Lake Macquarie FM 97.3 been on the airwaves and what kind of radio station is it? We commenced broadcasting as Radio Yesteryear Nostalgia Radio back in 1989, the name was changed to Lake Macquarie FM in 2013.
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It is a radio station made up of volunteer presenters. We broadcast across the Lake Macquarie area 24/7 from the greenkeeper's shed at the rear of Halekulani Bowling Club in Budgewoi. Our core programming caters for the hits from 1940 to 1989, with some speciality programs spread throughout the week.
You present a Wednesday night show called Ossie and Friends, tell me about your show? Yes, from 6pm, three hours of chat, music and fun. The program is dedicated predominately to Australian Music, as much as I can, unless listeners request something else. Local bands and musos visit the studio and chat about their music, playing live to showcase what they can do and promote their upcoming gigs.
I often have live guests mixed with phone chats with many musos from around the country, with the occasional international artist, from all genres of Aussie music.
It has become very busy, I now have an assistant, Wayne Hodge to help me out. We are booked out until the 29th June.
What have been the highlights of the Ossie and Friends show? As well as having the opportunity to chat to and hear new music from our fantastic local artists, which in itself is a highlight, I have had the opportunity to chat with some of this country's finest musos and music icons, including Russell Morris, Jon Stevens, Todd Hunter, Renee Geyer, Steve Balbi , Robbie James, Swanee, Mark Williams, the late Jon English, Don Martin and many, many more.
A couple of highlights to really stand out for me, Mark Williams live in the studio playing an acoustic version his 1989 hit, Show No Mercy and the night John Swan visited and co-hosted the program.
What do you love about community radio? Community Radio is not just about being on air, although it has given me the chance to play the music I love and to meet and build relationships with Aussie music icons and rising stars, as well as those that have the same passion for music.
We also get out into the community and the loyal listeners appreciate the interaction that is available in this type of broadcasting. The other thing I find is that it brings together some great people with common interests and is a little community in it's own right.
I love music, Aussie music in particular. This is my opportunity to be a part of it. I enjoy writing a couple of songs, playing a bit of guitar and attempting singing. My wife says I can't sing or play guitar, but I always tell her I can. I'm just no good at it.
