The words from the radio that caught my ear from the speaker.
There are times when we can't help but laugh at funny stories, reminisce about bittersweet love stories, or be surprised by heroic tales that come through the radio. I believe everyone has experienced being drawn in by topics flowing from the radio.
If topics about the town you live in were to come through the radio, many people would surely perk up their ears.
FM Kurashiki was established as Okayama Prefecture's first private FM broadcasting station on December 24, 1996, and celebrated its 25th anniversary on December 24, 2021.
As a community FM station, it has continued to convey local information, and in this 25th year milestone, we spoke with Okubo Kensaku (then President, now Chairman), radio personality Maezawa Tomoya, and Otani Toshifumi about the situation at the time of establishment and future prospects.
We will introduce the feelings that the community FM radio station in Kurashiki is broadcasting over the airwaves.
What is FM Kurashiki?
Overview of FM Kurashiki
FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. is a radio broadcasting station located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture.
The frequency is 82.8 MHz (megahertz), covering the entire area of Kurashiki City, as well as parts of Hayashima Town and Soja City.
It was established on December 24, 1996, as Okayama Prefecture's first private FM broadcasting station, and celebrated its 25th anniversary on December 24, 2021.
As of January 2022, it is operated by seven employees.
The Value of Community FM Stations
FM Kurashiki explains the value of community FM in terms of two aspects: normal times and disaster times.
The philosophy it upholds during normal times is, "Professionals who know everything about the town."
It covers small news that larger media cannot handle, creating a lively town together with local people.
On the other hand, the philosophy declared during disaster times is, "Professionals of the community who protect the safety and security of residents and enhance the resilience of the town."
Resilience refers to the ability to recover and adapt, meaning the capacity to quickly restore oneself when faced with difficult problems or crises.
By utilizing the power of local professionals who know the local circumstances, such as what is where in the town and who lives there, we strive for disaster support.
FM Kurashiki has also developed an FM radio called "Kokucchi" that can receive emergency announcements during disasters.
Initiatives for SDGs - SDG Media Compact
In 2018, the United Nations issued a policy called "SDG Media Compact" to promote activities aimed at achieving the SDGs through broadcasting, calling on media organizations worldwide to participate.
FM Kurashiki, based on the SDG Media Compact, clarifies the relationship between the programs it broadcasts and the 17 goals set forth by the SDGs, promoting the achievement of the SDGs through community development.
On September 18, 2021, FM Kurashiki was approved as the first community broadcasting station in the country to join.
Below are programs produced by FM Kurashiki that are closely related to the SDGs.
| Program Name | Content / Corresponding SDGs Goals |
|---|---|
| Enjoin!! SPOxT | A program aimed at creating opportunities for young people to participate in community activities, discussing town development (11) Sustainable cities and communities (17) Partnerships for the goals |
| What I Want to Know! Developmental Disabilities ※Broadcast ended | A program introducing types and cases of developmental disabilities by a physician from Kurashiki Adult Disease Center Pediatrics (3) Good health and well-being for all (4) Quality education for all (11) Sustainable cities and communities |
| Exploring Japan Heritage in Kurashiki via Radio | A program introducing Japan Heritage in Kurashiki City by a person in charge from the Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Promotion Office (4) Quality education for all (17) Partnerships for the goals |
| The 'Now' and 'Future' of Mabi ※Broadcast ended | A program introducing the recovery situation of Mabi, Kurashiki City, which suffered significant damage from the heavy rain in July 2018, through talks with members of civic groups (11) Sustainable cities and communities (17) Partnerships for the goals |
To achieve the SDGs in Kurashiki, we recognize that awareness-raising activities for local residents are also a role of community FM, and we are disseminating information.
FM Kurashiki aims to be a community FM radio station that leaves no one behind, as a media organization closely connected to the community.
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of its establishment, we spoke with Okubo Kensaku (then President, now Chairman), radio personality Maezawa Tomoya, and Otani Toshifumi about the situation at the time of establishment and the thoughts behind delivering information.
Data on FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd.
| Organization Name | FM Kurashiki Co., Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry | Radio broadcasting business |
| Representative Name | Izawa Masanobu |
| Year Established | Established on May 16, 1996, and commenced broadcasting on December 24, 1996 |
| Address | 520-28 Shirakuratown, Kurashiki City |
| Contact | 086-430-0600 |
| Website | FM Kurashiki |
