From pub rock classics to old school dance music and listeners tuning in from across the globe, Shannon Shuttleworth has built something special with 88FM Bay Island Radio. Now, he’s hoping the local community and businesses can help him take it to the next level.
There’s a lot more happening behind the scenes at 88FM Bay Island Radio than you might expect. Broadcasting around the clock from Russell Island, Shannon Shuttleworth has spent the past five years turning his passion for music into a station with an audience that stretches well beyond the Bay Islands.
With well over 30,000 online streaming hits each month, including around 70 per cent from American listeners, this little island station has certainly found its audience. Shannon also receives around 10 enquiries a month from people interested in working with the station. Not bad for a venture that began in a private home, with limited resources and plenty of determination!
Now, Shannon is putting the call out to island residents and local businesses to help keep the music playing and support the station’s next chapter.
Shannon has called Russell Island home for 10 years. His radio journey began earlier, with four years spent working at BayFM and other stations, giving him valuable experience and confirming that broadcasting was something he wanted to pursue.
When a friend who held the radio licence offered it to him, Shannon began investigating what it would take to establish the station on Russell Island. Finding suitable premises proved difficult, particularly when the radio wasn’t generating enough income to cover rental costs. So, he made it work from home.
Five years later, 88FM Bay Island Radio continues to broadcast 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Shannon is keen to clarify that it is not a community licensed station, but an independent radio venture driven by his love of music and broadcasting. And it’s certainly not your ordinary radio playlist.
Saturday and Sunday belong to the rock lovers, with Pub Rock Weekends serving up music from the 1960s and 1970s throughout the day. It’s a chance to revisit the classics, turn up the volume and enjoy the songs that never seem to get old.
Friday and Saturday nights bring a different vibe, with Shannon mixing his own old school dance music shows. Request nights invite listeners to get involved, with people calling in from around the world to chat and share their musical favourites.
During the week, the station travels through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, with mash ups and plenty of tracks that don’t always get airtime on commercial radio.
That’s exactly how Shannon likes it. He wants to play music people love, including those forgotten favourites that deserve another spin.
For a small island station, attracting tens of thousands of monthly streaming hits is an impressive achievement, and proof that a local broadcasting venture can have a global reach.
Before moving to Russell Island, Shannon spent 20 years working as a taxi driver in Logan. Having witnessed his fair share of violence during those years, he found the island lifestyle a welcome change.
Moving to Russell Island was a breath of fresh air, offering the peace and quiet he had been looking for. He now lives on the island with his two sons and also works in disability support a few days a week.
Over the past two to three years, Shannon has noticed considerable population growth across the islands. When asked what he’d like to see improve locally, a bridge isn’t on his wish list. Instead, he’d love to see more meeting places that attract younger people and encourage greater connection.
It’s an idea that fits with the spirit of his radio venture; bringing people together, whether through music, conversation or a shared love of the island lifestyle.
While 88FM has established a loyal audience, operating from a private home brings limitations. Shannon would love to find a suitable space that’s accessible to the public, allowing guest presenters, performers and speakers to get involved. A dedicated studio could give the station room to welcome new voices and create more opportunities for people to participate.
Reception is another challenge. The station currently covers approximately 90 per cent of the islands, reaching down to Coochiemudlo, but its current location limits the signal. Shannon hopes to eventually relocate to a more elevated site to improve coverage, particularly in areas where reception can be patchy. These are big goals for a small independent operation, but the right local support could help make them achievable.
Shannon is keen to hear from local businesses interested in advertising or sponsoring 88FM Bay Island Radio. Advertising packages start at just $120 per month, providing a minimum of 400 advertisements. It’s an opportunity for businesses to promote their services while supporting an independent station that already attracts listeners locally and internationally.
Support could also come in other forms, including a suitable studio space, sponsorship, equipment or connections with people who might be able to help the station grow.
After five years of keeping the music playing, 88FM Bay Island Radio has proved that a small station can reach a surprisingly big audience. Now, with a little help from the community and local business network, Shannon hopes to build on that success.
Want to help keep 88FM Bay Island Radio on air? Contact Shannon Shuttleworth at islandradio88@gmail.com to discuss advertising, sponsorship or ways to support the station’s future.
Let’s get behind one of our island’s independent ventures and help Shannon turn up the volume for the years to come.
