Stereo 974 no longer

[Dale61]

The logo deal was something worked out between myself, Mike (Nick's) and Stereo974 in the lead up to the Tasmania v Williamstown match.

During this time, Nick's were getting several on-air mentions during the calls of Williamstown games, and when it was announced the Tassie game would be broadcast back to Melbourne, I took it upon myself to ensure the game was relayed via the chat room. The insertion of the logo was a way of saying thanks to the station management for their on-air plugs.

You may not be aware but two of the callers, Mick Gallus and Mark Stone, are registered with Nick's, and were posting their match previews in the latter part of the year. That, in itself, was a coup for a message board as I bet none of the other VFL, or for that matter AFL, team sites have the match commentators post their views, both pre-match and post-match, on a regular basis.

[jeremiah]

We should jam their phones and ask why they are not doing the footy. Agree with everyone that they should do what the community want as I am sure they get some sort of subsidy for being a community radio. Come on guys start dialing - I heard Eddie say on radio at Box Hill prem. final that he started at community radio in the west - lets put some pressure on them - team effort guys.

[seagull]

Good point Jeremiah. Eddie did start his calling on Stereo974. According to a press statement on the station's website Eddie started with the station when he was a cadet at Channel 10. He cut his teeth calling Footscray games with the station which was formerly known as 3WRB. I wasn't at that Box Hill game you mention when they interviewed him but I was standing near there broadcast van when they interviewd the premier, Steve Bracks, mid-season at Williamstown.
Surely if it is a money issue which a number of contributors to this topic have alluded to then it would be in the Station's best interest to make this known. It was certainly pretty unique to have a radio station devot half of their season to supporting the Williamstown Football which in-turn would have had significant advantages for Collingwood supporters interested in keeping a close on eye on the fortunes of their younger players as well as assessing players coming back from injury.
I can't really comment on the quality of the call as I was present at the majority of games throughout last season and didn't listen, but I was well aware of their existence as they use to plonk thier mobile broadcast van right in the position where a group of use to stand for about ten years.
To me they looked professional but maybe the powers to be were not happy with the quality and decided enough was enough after one year.
Maybe somebody who listened regualrly might like to make a brief assessment of the professionalism of the production and whether it as they say 'cut the mustard'.

[Dale61]

I used to listen whilst at the games, and the call was of an extremely high standard. The only problem I had was that were I would sit (just inside the entry gate - best place for taking photos) the signal would tend to drop out. Maybe I was too close for best reception, but I was able to clearly hear a majority of the call.

The player knowledge was exceptional, and this was for both teams. I listened to the call when I went to the Ballarat game and the local callers had no idea who the Williamstown players were. (For example, Josh Mahoney was referred to as Ma-Ho-Nee and Stephen Eichner was called as Ekner.)

They definitely 'cut the mustard', and always ensured their sponsors got a mention (including Nick's).

[seagull]

Thanks Dale61. I wasn't doubting their professionalism just trying to justify why they would take something off the air which appeared to service a large section of the community. I read with dismay at one of your other posts that says the station has replaced the VFL coverage with a 4WD show. Well that is surprising!

[President Ted Parker]

Taking a leaf out of Jeremiah's book. Dale what would be the best way to contact Eddie McGuire or Greg Swann regarding a matter such as this. The more I think about this whole mess the more I get angrier.

I'm willing to get the ball rolling by drafting some type of proposal to the Eddie or Greg but would probably like a little advice to know how to go about it.

Or should we just let it go?

I mean as a Collingwood supporter I'm sounding selfish here because traditionally I haven't been a Williamstown supporter but have a grown fonder of them since last year.

To be honest the station was lifeline for myself because I followed the progress of our young kids: Shack, Clokey, Mullins, Kingy, Nixon and then the fortunes of McKee,Scotto, Richo, Leon, Brodie and Freeborn all through the broadcast. With a young family I could only go to one football game each weekend and that was naturally the Collingwood game.

It might mean now i have to pull my finger out of my arse and get along to a few Williamstown games. It was just so bloody conveniant.

[Dale61]

Pres, I think the best way to make contact with Eddie or Greg would be via the club (Collingwood).

I have been umming and ahhing about this as well, and am prepared to put my name to a petition (or such), but as it is a management decision, it would take a lot of convincing for them to change their minds.

I've decided to express my disgust by not listening to them ever again, not until they bring back the VFL. (Note, I didn't mention the station's name in this post).

BTW, if you are a member of Collingwood, you get free entry to Williamstown home games on presentation of your membership card.

[Tank36]

Spoke to an extremely reliable source at the Pactice match on Friday. The station pulled the pin because they wanted heaps of money: firstly from the VFL and when they were unsuccessful there they went to both Willy and Werribee football clubs. The amount they were asking for was apparantly outragoeus. The money was to be used to upgrade the quality of transmission and sound. The station manager who apparantly despises football went in all guns blazing to see how much he could get out of both the league and the clubs. When he didn't get what he wanted he cracked the shits and and threaten to suspend the broadcast which he has since done. Obviously found his money somewhere else.

Apparantly the callers and commentary team are filthy at the station as they haven't been given the decency of a phone call to say that the station is not giong head with it this year. This is a disgrace considering all callers last year worked on a voluntrary basis and knocked back other offers to call VFL football bing told that it would definitely go ahead again next year.

As I mentioned this information came from a reliable source.

[Dark Beanie]

Very disappointed with this decision. Listening to 97.4 was the only way to listen to the games and comentary team were great fun - not everyone can get to games especially if you are commited to attending CFC games (have to fit family time in somewhere). As is often the case short sighted decision by uninformed (or uncaring) management.

[President Ted Parker]

After giving this station a bit of a roasting a month or two back I have just realised through their official website that there is a programme called "Way out West" starting tonight (Friday 2nd 6pm-7pm) which is The Williamstown football club show. Interviews, previews & reviews of the games etc. Sounds interesting!

Don't know if you Know much about Dale but it loks as though station is still involved with the Seagullls.

I'll have a listen tonight and see what it's like.

[Dale61]

Nah Ted, not much info other than what is on the Williamstown website.

Remember, it is also for the Western Jets, so you'll hear a lot of TAC news in that hour.