Singer rules airwaves
COUNTRY STAR: HUNTER LAUNCHES HER OWN RADIO STATION ‘Our focus is on uplifting content that entertains and inspires.’
Life is about music for award-winning rock and country singer Hunter Leite. Her love for good tunes, performing and radio eventually led her to launch a new radio station. It’s called Go FM and broadcasts online.
Leite is no stranger to radio, and after almost two decades on the air, hot seating it behind the mic at several stations from Mix FM through to Harties, she invested in the new station. “Radio has been a part of my life as long as I can remember,” Leite said.
“The idea of Go FM sprang from a desire to merge my journey in music with my love for radio and broadcasting, creating a sanctuary for like-minded individuals and artists who seek a chance to showcase their talents.”
Despite a myriad of stations – from community through to commercial, traditional airwaves and online – it remains a huge challenge for local artists to earn airplay and like-minded audiences to gather and enjoy specific genres of music.
Leite’s wanted to change the status quo. Her career in radio dates to 2002 and, she said, has witnessed first-hand the transformative power of radio and its capacity to connect with diverse audiences on a personal level. It is this love for the medium that inspired the creation of Go FM.
Being a startup in a field where competition is rife and audiences picky, Leite said the journey has been no simple task. It required a blend of resilient passion, dedication, and an entrepreneurial drive, coupled with understanding of the technical and logistical intricacies involved in setting up an online broadcasting platform.
“The foundation of Go FM rests on more than equipment and technology; it’s built on a vision to revolutionise the way we experience radio,” she said.
After setting up the techie aspects of the station, getting people to tune in was Leite’s next pitstop. She said her audience, gathered from years of being on air, combined with her following emanating from her musical career, has provided a strong launchpad for the station. She also assembled a show line-up that she believed would attract additional ears.
“The response has been incredible,” she said. “Our team of 11 presenters, each with their own style and following, along with the power of social media, has created a ripple effect, drawing in listeners from all corners of the globe.”
She said while the station is in its infancy, it’s not been unusual to attract more than 15 000 streamers during a show.
Go FM’s programming is curated to cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and interests, she said. From talk shows that delve into a range of topics to a chart-topping selection of local and international hits, Leite endeavours to ensure that there’s something for everyone.
“We’ve consciously decided to steer clear of news and traffic updates,” Leite said. “Our focus is on uplifting content that entertains and inspires, setting us apart in a crowded market.”
Leite is convinced the future of radio is digital. “The shift towards online platforms is unmistakable. She plans for Go FM to be at the forefront of this digital revolution, the opportunities it presents to reach audiences is immense. “The beauty of internet radio is the freedom it offers. I can connect with our audience from anywhere, bringing a piece of the world into our broadcasts,” she said.
Her growth plan comprises a strategy that includes outdoor broadcasts, online campaigns, and a selection of compelling music and programmes. “We’re also keen on supporting businesses through affordable advertising, ensuring a symbiotic relationship between the station and the commercial sector,” she added.
“Sustainability in this industry is about more than just talent; it’s about the drive to innovate and persevere. Go FM embodies this ethos.”