Access PBS in 2012 by Volunteering

If you’ve found yourself reading this, chances are you're thinking about becoming a volunteer at PBS. Volunteering encompasses many aspects of the station, can be highly rewarding and can introduce you to a new network of interesting people. We seek people who are dedicated, and committed to being part of an organisation that aims to play underrepresented music for the people of Melbourne and beyond. Did you know there’s only one other station licensed to play progressive music in Australia?   In case you didn’t know it, PBS is a gem in the Australian media landscape.  Read down to find out how you can join in by volunteering at PBS.

 VOLUNTEERING FAQ's

I want to be a PBS announcer  

Have you done a radio programme before?

Yes  - Fill out a programme application form and complete a demo. Send it to the Programme Manager PO BOX 2917 FITZROY MDC 3065.

If not....

Do you have training in operating a console and broadcasting?

Yes- fill out a programme application form and complete a demo.

Send it to the Programme Manager PO BOX 2917 FITZROY MDC 3065.

No – Complete a PBS announcer course. PBS runs one that goes for 5 consecutive Monday or Wednesday nights. There’s a course fee. Email mara[at]pbsfm[dot]org[dot]au to obtain an application form and an info kit.

PBS ANNOUNCER COURSE - 2012 SCHEDULE

MONTH                               DAY                                       DATES

MARCH                               Wednesday                     7, 14, 21, 28 & April 4

APRIL                                  Mondays                          March 26, April 2, 16, 23 & 30

JUNE                                   Wednesdays                   13, 20, 27, July 4 & 11

JULY                                   Mondays                         2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

AUGUST                             Wednesdays                   1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

SEPTEMBER                        Mondays                         3, 10, 17, 24 & October 1

OCTOBER                           Wednesdays                   3, 10, 17, 24, 31

NOVEMBER                        Mondays                          5, 12, 19, 26 & December 3

Once you’ve completed the announcer course, fill out the programme application form and complete a demo. Send it to the  Programme Manager PO BOX 2917 FITZROY MDC 3065.

** We can't promise your program concept will become a regular radio show on PBS [there needs to be a vacancy and a requirement - see policies and procedures for programming guidelines]. But doing the announcer course, and making a demo are the first steps to making it possible to getting a program on air.

I want to volunteer in the office or music department

•          Check http://pbsvolunteers.blogspot.com/  for roles available.
•          Email mara[at]pbsfm[dot]org[dot]au for an application form and to organise a station tour.
•          Once you’ve completed the tour and an application form, we will do the best to find you a volunteer role based on your skill sets, aims and organisational fit, providing the role is available.
•          All people who sign up to become a volunteer at PBS receive a fortnightly newsletter detailing all the volunteer opportunities.
•          Get in touch with PBS if there’s something you want to do.

I want to volunteer in the production department

The Production team are responsible for the on air sound, sponsorship announcements, studio maintenance and live band performances. There are few volunteer roles in the production department. If you’re keen on getting in to share your skills, your best option is to:

•          Volunteer in another role at PBS and show you’re interested in helping the organisation at large since we look for volunteers with the right attitude.
•          Should a production role become available, we will do our best to refer you to our Production team. 
•          To volunteer in another role at PBS, see above for I want to volunteer in the office or music department.

I want to volunteer for PBS Events

·         From time to time we need help at PBS events, looking after the door, handing out station paraphernalia, taking photo’s and more.  Excellent people skills go a long way in these roles. Email mara[at]pbsfm[dot]org[dot]au for an application form and to organise a station tour.

I want to volunteer but I'm only available during weekends and after hours

Most of our volunteer roles fall between Monday to Friday 10am-6pm. Outside hours volunteer roles are rare, but they do come up occasionally.  Check  http://pbsvolunteers.blogspot.com/  for fortnightly role updates.

I want to do reads or voiceovers for sponsorship announcements

It can be difficult to organise these – due to the nature of radio sponsorship we cannot predict when our production and sponsorship teams need these made. But if you’re dead keen on doing these, supply us with:

•          a demo and
•          a completed volunteer form.
•          We’ll refer it to our production team.

I’ve got a great idea for a volunteer role at PBS that’s not listed on your blog

At PBS we know there’s always room to improve. Email mara[at]pbsfm[dot]org[dot]au to share your idea. We’re happy to take on your ideas for the benefit of the station, especially if it fits with the stations mission and direction and is viable. If it’s a fit, we’ll do our best to make it happen.

What is the PBS Tour?

The PBS tour is an introduction to PBS. We encourage all prospective volunteers to come in and take the tour so you can see for yourself what PBS is all about. That way you can imagine where and how you might be a fit. Tours run every Friday at 2:45pm at 47 Easey Street Collingwood. All bookings for the tour can be made by emailing mara[at]pbsfm[dot]org[dot]au

So there you have it...

...the answers to becoming a PBS announcer, doing the PBS announcer course, volunteering in the office & music department & in the production department, at events, out of office hours volunteering, voice overs, tours and new ideas. And if this blog post didn't answer your question, please call Mara on 8415 1067 or email mara mara[at]pbsfm[dot]org[dot]au to get involved at PBS in 2012!