Zone Radio launches new studio at Longbeach Mall
Zone Radio presenter, Peter Henry, broadcasting live from the station’s new studio at Longbeach Mall
Image: Erin Carelse
Zone Radio officially opened its new studio at Longbeach Mall on Friday August 23. The studio is located outside at Entrance 3 of the mall.
The launch marks a fresh start for the far south radio station.
It was forced off the air for almost a year after the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) refused to renew its broadcasting licence.
In July last year, the Pretoria High Court dismissed the station’s urgent bid to remain on air, ruling that Zone Radio had not shown it would suffer harm if its licence was withdrawn.
The court also ordered the station to pay costs.
Zone Radio founder and station manager Richard Griggs said they did not appeal the decision and instead focused on covering legal costs of more than R100 000.
One of Icasa’s requirements for renewal was that the station’s studio be based in a mall.
At the time, Zone Radio did not meet this condition. “Even if we had appealed, it would not change the fact that we were not broadcasting from a mall,” said Mr Griggs.
Negotiations with Longbeach Mall later secured a new home for the studio, allowing Icasa to grant the station both a broadcasting licence and a radio frequency licence after four separate applications.
“We have eventually moved our studio into Longbeach Mall, and it means a lot to us for a number of reasons. It gives our audience exposure to who we are and what our operation looks like, to see the presenters in action, and hopefully it attracts more people to the station.”
Zone Radio presenter Peter Henry with station manager and co-owner Richard Griggs in their new studio at Longbeach Mall.
Image: Erin Carelse
He added that people passing by the studio might not have known about Zone Radio before, but now they can see it and become curious.
That curiosity may lead them to tune in and discover what the station is about. In turn, growing listenership also grows exposure for sponsors and advertisers, which, he explained, is the model of radio.
Longbeach Mall marketing manager Minnin Du Preez said the centre was delighted to welcome the station.
Zone Radio station manager and co-owner Richard Griggs addresses the crowd during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Longbeach Mall.
Image: Erin Carelse
She added that the partnership will bring benefits for both the mall and the community, including more promotional opportunities for shops, stronger local connections, and the excitement of a live radio studio in the centre.
“It’s absolutely amazing and we are so excited to have Zone Radio at the mall,” Ms Du Preez said.
“We encourage the community to come down and wave at the presenters. It’s our community radio station.”