Pacific Pines High School students launch radio station

Students of a Gold Coast high school have enjoyed remarkable success after launching their own 24/7 radio station, with their shows going global.

Pacific Pines High School students Logan Picketts and Kiyah Bourke get to work in the studio. Picture: Jerad Williams

GOLD COAST high-schoolers have taken over the airwaves with a launch of a new student run radio station.

Students at Pacific Pines High School this week launched Radio Pac Pines, a 24/7 online station streaming music and student radio shows to anywhere in the world.

The station, which now has over 25 high schoolers involved, was the brainchild of construction teacher Michael Walkley, who had previously worked at Southern Cross Austereo.

Students Kiyah Bourke and Logan Picketts present their show. Picture: Jerad Williams

“I worked in commercial radio for over 17 years and wanted to use my experience at the school,” Mr Walkley said.

The certified carpenter built the studio in the school in the final term last year and began training students in radio production.

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“Every lunch break we have students who come in and present their show live, we have announcers, producers and students who record the news so it plays on the hour every hour,” Mr Walkley said.

“The station gives them a feel for what it is like to work in a radio station, show teamwork and teaches them how to organise themselves and prepare ahead.”

Students also play the role of audio and content producers, while other edit sound clips and construct ads for upcoming school events.

The studio was built by teacher Michael Walkley. Picture: Jerad Williams

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While the radio station is an extra curricular activity for now, Mr Walkley said he would hope to see it incorporated into some lessons.

“We have only launched this week but hope to keep it growing, in the first few days there have been over a thousand listeners from all over Australia and as far away as the UK,” he said.

Student Logan Picketts, 14, has been an announcer for the program since its test period in term four last year.

She now runs her own show on lunchtimes and trains other students like Kiyah Bourke, 14.

Those wanting to listen to Radio Pac Pines can download the app for free or jump on to the website https://radio.pacificpinesalliance.com.au/live-stream/ and become a listener.