NEWS

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Now that applications have closed for the remaining private (commercial) radio frequency in Durban, Classic ŸM (KZN) plans to provide a service to broadcast classical music in its broadest sense. Market research has proved that there is support for such a service.

Following its sister station in Johannes-burg, 35 per cent Classic ŸM (KZN) equity will be held by concerns focused on the economic empowerment of disadvantaged groups.

Trusts committed to enhancing music culture in KZN will hold a further 40 per cent while local cultural groups repre-senting the region's musical diversity and committed to education, training and upliftment will hold ten per cent.

The final 15 per cent will facilitate training, skills transfer and capacity building within the local industry.

PROFITABILITY

With profitability as one of its chief objectives, Class ŸM (KZN) will adopt the entertaining snappy mode of pro-gramme presentation which has helped make Britain's Classic ŸM station - a shareholder in the Durban company - the broadcast success story of the decade after only five years of operation and with a listenership of five million people. Classic ŸM's premise is that classical music is and always has been popular.

For details phone Stephen Wikner on 903-7562 or fax 903-32.

INANDA FESTIVAL

As part of the project to gain support for the community radio station, Radio Curban (Contemporary Urban Radio), Sihle Malunga, Thabani Mazibuko and Prudence Mthethwa will present the North Central Music Festival.

This will take place at the Lindelani Stadium in Inanda on July 12 from 11h00 until 17h00.

"This year we intend to apply for a short-term licence of 31 days," says Sihle, "but next year, we intend going for a full licence. The language make-up of the station will be 50 percent English, 50 percent Zulu."

CIRCUIT

The festival at Inanda represents a phase in the circuit of such events.

In May, a festival took place at Umlazi Tehuis and, after this month's event in the North Central district, festivals will be held in other areas.

Musical groups who have already con-firmed that they will appear at this month's festival are Hood Swingers, Ge Funk and Joyce K.

"We are offering a free platform for performers in all music styles from maskanda and reggae to rap and rock'n roll," adds Sihle. "We need as many groups as possible."

Any musicians or groups interested should phone Sihle Malunga before July 8 on 300-6309.

Donation from the public is R5.