FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Dear listeners & supporter of Radio ARA,
First of all THANK YOU so much for all the great support and all the financial help by way of monthly payments or one-off donations
Some of you have asked for more clarification of the situation and why we are in this financial crisis. We shall endeavor to answer your questions and make it clear below.
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Started originally as a Pirate station, Radio ARA grew and existed as 3 units:
1. Since 2000, the English language programme ARACity Radio, was produced by a commercial production company. Professional presenters were employed to create the shows. The advertising money was used to pay the presenters and Radio ARA for the weekday airtime 6am-2pm.
2. Graffiti, the youth shows. This part is a not -for-profit organisation (ASBL) with the status of a youth house and has financial support from the Ministry of Education and the Municipality of Esch/Alzette. Social workers are employed to work and train over 60 voluntary youngsters and a number of schools, to produce projects relating to their interests. Graffiti youth programmes have airtime weekdays 2pm-5pm.
3. The programmes you hear in the evening and weekends are a platform for original music, cultural and socially relevant content, and is produced in over ten different languages. This is content that is not represented in Luxembourg’s mainstream media. This part of the program is represented by the not for profit organization Mond Op (ASBL). The content of these shows is created by over 100 volunteers, and the organisation, scheduling and the technical support is done by a volunteers and a handful of part-time employees.
Why Do We Crowdfund?
As an independent radio and a platform for communities, associations, different languages, the local music scene and much more, Radio ARA was never rich .
With the airtime rental fee from ARA City Radio, the membership fees, donations, and for the past year a stipend from the ministry of media, Radio ARA was able survive.
Why Support Radio ARA?
Since its foundation, Radio ARA has been financed to a large extent by the contribution of its listeners. In 2000 ARA City joined the radio as a financial Motor, but it needed to close down last year due to known reasons. The new agreement with the government in 2021 is such that we must continue to show that we are a community financed project. This is not only a method of funding but above all an endorsement of a unique information project in Luxembourg, which guarantees genuine independence.
Supporting one of our projects means contributing to the realisation of our objectives:
-Implementation of cultural integration projects for cultural and linguistic minorities living in Luxembourg
-Training and educating students, young apprentices and volunteers in good media practice
-Improving and widening the offer proposed by the participative radio, composed of volunteers, freelancers, journalists, associations and artists
But Doesn’t Does Radio ARA get government aid now?
Yes, thanks to you and your support in 2021, we do. In 2021 we signed an agreement with the media ministry that means we get 200,000€ financial support for the first year and the 4 following years it will be 250’000€. However, part of this agreement was that we would continue to seek external financial support from out supporters and through sponsorships.
What will my money be used for?
Money from listeners does not go towards the salaries of staff (we are all freelance or part-time). The funds raised from our listeners is specifically used to pay for equipment that we need, editing software subscriptions, or running cost for keeping up the studios and most importantly to pay our SACEM subscription and pay for new music.
How much should I donate?
No amount is too small…there are a number of ways you can donate…
- Paypal
- DigiCash
- Bank transfer via Fondation Oekofond (for tax deduction)
Project Radio ARA
CCPL IBAN LU96 111 0734 1886 0000
For further Information check our webpage www.ara.lu/donation
How many people work at Radio ARA
It is necessary to have a few people employed at the radio station to facilitate and coordinate the extensive contribution of our vast number of volunteers.
1 person for coordination of the volunteers 1x20hrs (Mond Op and Oevre Grand Duchesse Charlotte)
1 person for finances 20 hrs (Mond Op/ Alter Echos)
1 Person for communication 20hrs (Mond Op/ Alter Echos)
2 journalists (Mond Op/Alter Echos and Mond Op/ Ministère culture) 2 x 20hrs
1 radio Host 20hrs (Alter Echos) x 20hrs
6 Freelance (News/Shows) (Alter Echos)
1 Social educator 25hrs (Graffiti)
1 Social educator 37hrs (Graffiti)
1 Media educator 40 hrs (Graffiti/Commmune of Esch/Alzette)
How many volunteers are at Radio ARA?
We have approximately 150 registered members. (ARA International, Mond Op and Graffiti)
What did we buy with the funds raised in 2021
MairList Software (playout software) licences for both studio computers and graffiti office.
1 printer
3 chairs
1 cupboard
2 laptops
1 computer Studio 1
2 computer Studio 2
6 new screens
A server
Financial software that helps bookkeeping and tracking of project tracking
Streaming software licence
1 zoom hand recorder
As you can see the list is long, and with clever planning and purchasing as not -for-profit organisations we have managed to get a lot for our money.
Our next goal and the purpose of this year’s October fundraising is looking towards studio hardware. However, these are big ticket items, so we are creating a fund that will support us in purchasing what we need for our future move to Rotondes 2.
What else does ARA do?
A large part of our mission is media literacy, and to this end we host workshops and train people at our studio. Graffiti, The youth programme on Radio ARA, is run by three fully trained media pedagogues who work closely with schools throughout Luxembourg, hosting workshops in the classroom and at the studio.
Radio ARA has always supported young musicians and artist, we do this by hosting them in the studio when they have new releases, and promoting their music. (ex:The Walk,Intimate Studio Gigs, Birthday Celebration, etc)
Radio ARA’s International Team supports and trains people interested in creating shows for their community in Luxembourg. Many of these members have arrived in Luxembourg as refugees, but not all, regardless, all have come seeking to build a life in Luxembourg, and believe that the best way to do that is to give back to the country they are living in. Their way, in line with ours, is to create a show based around the needs that they have identified their community has.
To get it touch with our listeners, we also organise non radio related events such as Music Quizzes. We also elevate our visibility by being present at festivals, fayres and other public events.
Can I do a show?
Yes you can! If you have an idea for a show, just put that idea in writing
If you would first like to talk through some ideas and have us help you formulate it better, you can also do that.
PRESS COVERAGE of the RADIO ARA SITUATION
Radio 100,7