3RRR

3RRR (known as "Triple R") is arguably Australia's best known community radio station, based in Melbourne.

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It first commenced broadcasting from RMIT University in 1976 on an educational licence, with the name 3RMT. In 1979 it relocated to Fitzroy, and adopted its present name. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, it became synonymous with the post punk and new wave subcultures. It has developed a devoted listener base, many of whom donate their time or money to keep the station going; either as volunteers or through the annual "Radiothon". In late 2004 supporters raised enough money for the station to purchase and move into new premises on the corner of Blyth and Nicholson Streets in Brunswick after the 20 year lease on their previous studios, in Victoria St., Fitzroy, expired.

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3RRR's mission statement was defined in 1990 as "To educate, inform and entertain by drawing upon appropriate community resources. To develop a critical approach to contemporary culture."

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Most of 3RRR's programming consists of specialist music programmes, whose hosts have complete autonomy; the station does not have playlists. As such, the nature of what 3RRR broadcasts varies wildly depending on time of week. 3RRR is funded entirely by community sponsorships and public subscribers (currently around 10,000), which, by removing standard commercial pressures, allows this diverse programming.

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Due to the reaction from subscribers, in the late 1990's 3RRR cancelled sponsorship deals signed with motor company Ford and music venue The Mercury Lounge (due to its location in Melbourne's Crown Casino). No such "corporate" sponsorship has been considered since.

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With an eclectic mix of programmes and a commitment to independence and integrity, 3RRR has been cited as a model for community radio stations in other cities (such as Sydney's FBi Radio); it has been said that it is a cornerstone of Melbourne's alternative/underground culture. A large number of 3RRR presenters have gone on to work extensively for more commercial radio stations.

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