Local radio station providing vital service

THE story of how South Dublin FM came to be has more plot twists and drama than a thriller novel. 

For 34 years it has survived numerous location changes, empty promises from politicians and a fluctuating economy.

The idea for community radio in the Dundrum area came about in 1982 from the Churchtown Residents’ Association.

One of their first gigs was doing the PA for the annual Dundrum festival. The crew used this as a makeshift radio platform; recording interviews and doing music segments.

One of the founders and current technician, Mike Purcell, explained: “We started connecting with the community using basic electrics. It got a good response and people asked us why they couldn’t get our station in their car.”

DSFM initially operated as a pirate station. In 1990, the Independent Radio and Television Commission was set up to issue licences to commercial stations. DSFM happily went off-air but would face five years of bureaucracy with no licence in sight.

In 1993, Michael D Higgins was appointed Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. This heralded a new age in broadcasting and DSFM was finally granted its licence in June 1995. 

In its 30-year history, DSFM found itself operating from places like school classrooms, an old radio-making factory and, finally, a space in Dundrum Town Centre.

DSFM hosts a wide range of volunteer-run programmes today, including those for minorities. It has Indian, Brazilian and African music shows.

It operates on the ethos that anybody can come in and be trained in the various skills required to run a radio station.

Maxwell Nkwocha hosts ‘Afrobeats Session’ on Thursday, from 9pm to 11pm. He said he got a slot as part of his work experience last year while studying Creative Media in Pearse College.

“I was supposed to be there for 10 days with a 30-minute show, but I just got so interested that later on I got a two-hour show,” he told Southside People.

Afrobeat music is a genre originating from Nigeria that mixes jazz and funk music with percussion rhythms. 

Maxwell added: “The music I play on my show is new-generation African music. It’s your normal R’n’B and hip-hop blended with the whole African vibe.”

During his time at the station, Maxwell has gained confidence as a broadcaster and stayed in touch with his culture. His show features guests such as Dublin-based Afrobeats artists and prominent members of the Nigerian community, including the current Miss Nigeria Ireland.

“I’ve learned a lot from playing with sounds, using different software to mix music and make radio jingles. I’ve been learning all year.”

One thing Mike would like to see introduced in the future is Government funding. With advertising making tiny gains, he believes there is no alternative. He sees DSFM as providing a vital service in Dundrum.

“We’re training people and upgrading their skills,” he said. “It helps get them off the live register. It’s a service to the community.”

Aura McMenamin