FBI FAQ (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

ABOUT FBi
CONTACTING FBi
MUSICIANS / BANDS / PRODUCERS / DJs
ARTISTS / ART ORGANISATIONS / CULTURAL EVENTS
FBi SUPPORTERS
ON-AIR PROMOTIONS
VOLUNTEER @ FBi
MAKING A COMPLAINT

ABOUT FBi

What is FBi?
FBi 94.5FM is an independent, community-based radio station, delivering the best in new music and emerging culture. FBi plays 50% Australian music, with half of that from Sydney.

Where can I hear it?
FBi broadcasts right across Sydney and beyond, from Katoomba to Gosford to Wollongong.

Can I listen online?
Yes- click here to launch the streaming player. FBi is also podcasting content – click here to check current podcasts.

How long has FBi been around?
FBi [aka Free Broadcast inc.] was established in 1995 and ran on a series of month-long test broadcasts for many years. After a lengthy campaign for a full-time licence, the Australian Broadcasting Authority granted FBi a licence to broadcast across Sydney on 94.5FM, launching full time on 29th August 2003.

CONTACTING FBi

How do I call the Studio?
You can call the studio 24 hours a day on (02) 8332 2999

How do I contact the FBi office?
The office is open between 10am and 6pm, Mon-Fri. Call us on (02) 8332 2900, email info@fbiradio.com or fax (02) 8332 2901. For staff contact details, see the CONTACT FBi page.

Where is FBi?
FBi is located at 44-54 Botany Road, Alexandria (corner of Botany & Henderson Roads). Click here for a map.

Where do I post stuff to?
FBi 94.5FM, PO Box 1962, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012

How can I find out the name of a track that was played?
If you’re listening to it right now, or the presenter is still on air, you can call the Studio on (02) 8332 2999. You can also check the presenter’s page on the fbi web site (click here to go to the program grid), as they may have published their playlist. If not, email reception@fbiradio.com with as much information as you can – when you heard it (day, date and time), did you catch any information (band name, title etc), or any lyrics?

MUSICIANS / BANDS / PRODUCERS / DJs

Where should I send CDs to?
Send all material The Music Director, FBi 94.5FM, PO Box 1962, Strawberry Hills, NSW 2012. Make sure you include a biography and contact details, including an email address on each copy you send FBi.

How many copies should I send?
Please send multiple copies to be distributed to appropriate shows - this may increase your chances of getting some airplay. The more you send, the more widely we can distribute.

How will I know if you’ve received my CD and if it will be played?
All music which is sent to the Music Co-ordinator at the above address is listened to within 2-3 weeks of posting. If we like what we hear, and add your CD to our playlist or pass it onto a particular show, we will send you an email to let you know. Unfortunately, we cannot give individual feedback, unless you attend our Music Open Day (see below).

Can I talk to someone about my music or a CD I’ve posted?
FBi invites bands, musicians, labels, promoters and publicists into the offices in Alexandria on the first Monday of every month for the monthly FBi OPEN DAY. The OPEN DAYS are on from 3-6pm and you're welcome to come in to discuss your latest projects, recordings, releases and gigs. If you're bringing in CDs, please bring a few copies to distribute to different broadcasters - this gives you a better chance of airplay. FBi studios are located at 44-54 Botany Road, Redfern – on the street level below Troy Horse studios. Click here for a map.

How do I arrange an interview?
Email music@fbiradio.com with your request. Due to the large number of approaches we receive, please note that we may not be able to respond to every request.

Where do I send gig listings?
Email gigs@fbiradio.com. Info will be distributed to relevant shows.

How do I arrange a giveaway of tickets / CDs?
Due to the overwhelming number of requests we receive, giveaways can only be done in two ways:
(1) on the back of an in-studio interview. You must let your Fbi contact know in advance if you are interested in doing a giveaway.
(2) As part of a promotional campaign. Under FBi’s licence, we are restricted to broadcasting five minutes of promotional announcements per hour, and on-air giveaways are counted in that time. To book, contact the Sales & Promotions Department on (02) 8332 2940 or 2935, or email sales@fbiradio.com.

What else can I do to promote my music?
FBi offers bands & artists affordable on-air promotional campaigns. Our standard rates are based on 30-second on-air spots. Contact the Sales & Promotions Department on (02) 8332 2940 or 2935, or email sales@fbiradio.com

You already play my tracks and promote my gigs in listings – why take out a promotional campaign?
FBi is a not-for-profit station and we rely on promoters, bands and artists buying on-air promotional campaigns in order to maintain the ongoing viability of the station, and to ensure that we're here the next time you'd like us to plug your event. Click here for more information.

Can I post info on the FBi web site?
Go to the GIGS section on the front page to post your info. You can get some additional promotion for your event by offering a discount to your event for FBi Supporters. We'll list your dates + times + line-up info, some basic blurb (1-2 sentences) in the ‘offers’ section of fbiradio.com. You need to offer a reasonable discount - ideally around 20% off cover charge. Email your info to offers@fbiradio.com.

ARTISTS / ART ORGANISATIONS / CULTURAL EVENTS

How do I arrange an interview / review?
Email culture@fbiradio.com. Our Talks Co-ordinator will forward your information to relevant broadcasters or reviewers. Due to the large number of approaches for interviews/reviews we receive, we may not be able to respond to every request. If we feel your interview/review request is a good fit with the station, we will be in touch.

Where do I send event listings?
Email culture@fbiradio.com.

How do I arrange a giveaway of tickets?
Due to the overwhelming number of requests we receive, giveaways can only be done in two ways:
(1) on the back of an in-studio interview. You must let your Fbi contact know in advance if you are interested in doing a giveaway.
(2) As part of a promotional campaign. Under FBi’s licence, we are restricted to broadcasting five minutes of promotional announcements per hour, and on-air giveaways are counted in that time. To book, contact the Sales & Promotions Department on (02) 8332 2940 or 2935, or email sales@fbiradio.com.

FBi SUPPORTERS

What’s an FBi Supporter?
FBi is proudly independent. We’re a not-for-profit music station, made by a team of passionate volunteers. Last year just 5% of our income came from government support. In order to stay on air, we rely on listeners to ‘donate’ to the station by becoming an FBi Supporters – and without you, there would be no FBI. Every dollar of your support keeps FBi on air.

How much does it cost?
You become an FBi Supporter by signing up for twelve months with a one-off payment, or make an on-going monthly payment on your credit card. 12 MONTHS costs $70 or $40 Concession. There's also a $130 Passionate level, if really love us and want to give a little bit more!. ONGOING costs $7 per month, $4 Concession or $12 Passionate.

Can I sign up my band / business / organization?
Yes, 12 MONTHS costs $130, ONGOING costs $12 per month.

What do I get in return?
Only FBi Supporters get our ONGOING DISCOUNTS (to go along with your very own FBi SUPPORTERS CARD), exclusive entry into our DAILY ON-AIR PRIZES, supporter-only WEEKLY DISCOUNTS, FREEBIES AND SPECIAL OFFERS, BIG MONTHLY PRIZE DRAWS and automatic entry into our draws for major SUPPORTER DRIVE PRIZES.

How do I sign up?
You can sign up online right now - click here to go to our secure payment gateway. Alternatively, call us during business hours on (02) 8332 2930, or download a form here and post it to FBI, PO BOX 1962, STRAWBERRY HILLS, NSW 2012 (make cheques payable to FBi RADIO). You can also fax the form with your credit card details to (02) 8332 2901.

I’m already a Supporter but I want to renew?
No problem - just let us know you're an existing supporter when you call, or when you drop in your form.

How do I change my contact details / email etc?
Email the information to info@fbiradio.com.

ON-AIR PROMOTIONS

Can I buy airtime with FBi?
FBi offers bands, artists, business and companies an affordable promotional opportunity to reach our listeners, through a wide variety of ways. Our standard rates are based on 30-second on-air spots.

Who do I contact?
Contact sales@fbiradio.com or call (02) 8332 2940 or (02) 8332 2935. They can discuss your campaign with you and send you our rate card. Click here for more information.

Does it mean I’m guaranteed airplay?
Running a promotional campaign with FBi does not influence editorial or airplay - we are proudly independent. To be considered for airplay, see the section for MUSICIANS above.

VOLUNTEER @ FBi

Can I volunteer at FBi?
FBi is predominantly a volunteer-based organization. Based on experience and availability many volunteers begin on our Frontline team. Duties on the Frontline include reception duties and admin support. Further opportunities exist in communications, membership, sales and promotions, program making and the music library. If you’d like to apply for a volunteer position, click here for more info

How much time is involved?
We're looking for volunteers that are able to commit to a regular day or regular half day each week for a minimum of 3 months. Ideally we are looking for volunteers who are interested in extending their involvement at the station beyond this.

MAKING A COMPLAINT

How do I make a complaint?
FBi subscribes to the Community Broadcasting Codes of Practice. To download a PDF copy of the Codes, click here. Having read this, if you wish to make a formal complaint, please email FBi's Station Director, Meagan Loader, at meagan@fbiradio.com