A radio station that is run largely by children is fighting to raise money to stay on the air.

The concept for RX Radio, which is based at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, was conceived by Dr Gabriel Urgoiti, who was the station’s manager until 2021. It was founded in 2016 with the aim of providing child presenters, mostly patients of the hospital, with a space to talk about issues that are important to them.

Since 2016, the radio station has gone from being broadcast only in Red Cross, to being available in Paarl and Brooklyn Chest hospitals. It can also be listened to online or on 97.0 FM in areas around Red Cross Hospital.

But with a projected operating cost of R1.8m for the year, the station needs help to keep broadcasting. So far, according to station manager Noluyolo Ngomani, it has raised R450 000, including R50 000 through the #SaveRXRadio BackaBuddy campaign started in November, but it is relying on fund-raising and donations for the rest.

The station is largely donor funded, but generates some income from its child-centred content and training.

“Our original budget amounted to R4.2 million. However, in 2020, we had to respond to the effects of the pandemic on funding criteria by reducing its operational budget for 2021 and decreasing staff salaries by 12%. The station has also since downsized drastically in terms of staff and capacity,” said Ms Ngomani.

The station received no funding from government or the hospital but an agreement with the provincial health department let it broadcast in other hospitals in the Western Cape, she said.

“Red Cross Children’s Hospital also provides the station with an in-kind donation as we are housed in the hospital, which means easier access to children, free utilities and no other expenses such as rent.”

The station’s child reporters undergo basic training that includes a week of workshops on listening, storytelling, radio reporting and production skills.

“After basic training, they have the choice to become an official RX Radio reporter,” said Ms Ngomani. “They can then participate in on-going training: workshops led by staff and guest facilitators from a variety of fields.

“At RX Radio, the children are always behind the microphones and are active participants in the production. They design their own shows, choose the music, invite guests, write interview questions, and even plan fundraising events.”

RX Radio was more than just a radio station, she said.

“We recognise the importance of empowering young people because we are actively making changes in the lives of children, health-care workers, parents and caregivers. We strive to give these young reporters the chance to voice their opinion, advocate for their rights, and be part of the decisions that shape their future.”

To date RX Radio has trained 135 reporters aged four to 18. The station broadcasts live and pre-recorded programmes 24/7 and transmits audio and images through the hospital’s internal television system to all wards and public areas in the hospital

Visit rxradio.co.za or call 021 658 5108 to support the station.