Community Radio Station TBC Crowdfunds to build new Auckland Studio
Community radio station TBC is excited to announce it’s moving to a permanent studio above Open coffee on Auckland’s Karangahape Road, and is looking for supporters to help fund costs associated with the move including a new studio build that will help keep them on air.
TBC is dedicated to fostering underground and alternative music and will relocate from a temporary space to its new permanent studio in July, and have launched a crowdfunding campaign to help equip the new studio for broadcast.
The station is doing all this in the midst of a number of high profile closure announcements from venues and other cultural institutions citing rough economic times.
Founders Oren Oaariki, Helena Olsen-Arts and James McGregor-Macdonald say that while times are financially tough, it’s essential that non-commercial music has a place to be heard and promoted.
“Non-commercial musicians in both Aotearoa and abroad face an ocean of challenges just trying to be heard, and community radio and events are a great starting point for that. The value of community radio is both cultural and economic, and can directly impact artists careers and the health of local music scenes”, says Oaariki.
Starting as a series of pop-up live streamed events in 2023, TBC has grown into an active community radio station providing community broadcasting opportunities along with creating event spaces for alternative music scenes, and an archive of material relating to Auckland’s underground music.
The move will help to continue building the broadcast platform TBC operates as well as the event work they do with local artists, cultural organisers and businesses that bring people together.
“We started TBC to connect music curators and listeners to both local and international music they would not find on commercial radio stations”, says McGregor-Macdonald.
“The music featured on TBC radio is 100% curated by the selectors playing on the station which offers a solid alternative to the algorithms and commercial playlists dominating mainstream radio and online platforms.”
TBC moved into a makeshift temporary studio in Eden Terrace last November, and features both local resident and guest DJs and occasional international acts. It has a diverse range of listeners and followers and regularly puts on community events,.
“The community that’s built up around TBC is a result of people wanting to play and discover new and interesting music, and also have genuine experiences that have no commercial interest attached”, says Olsen-Arts.
“In a world of everything having both a cultural and financial price tag attached, spaces like TBC are rare and full of untapped potential.”
Local DJ and community organiser Jaedan Naganathan aka Gooldtooth who has worked with the station on various projects says TBC provides an inclusive and accessible platform for creatives, tastemakers, and communities who might otherwise lack representation in mainstream media.
“Growing up in London, immersed in the culture of radio, I have experienced the profound impact that independent, community-led broadcasting can have. Far more than just spaces to play music, they are essential cultural hubs that amplify underrepresented voices, nurture grassroots talent and foster community connection.”
TBC became a registered charity in 2025 under the name TBC Radio Charitable Trust with the stated purposes including providing broadcast opportunities for the community, creating event spaces for alternative music scenes, and building an archive of local material relating to Auckland’s underground scenes.
The new studio, located above Open, will bring the station into its next chapter, hosting more local DJs, music lovers and international guests with new opportunities for community events within the hospitality space below.
The station is also inviting volunteers to help with fundraising activities and events. People can sign up via TBC’s Instagram page.
To ensure the station’s sustainability, long term sponsors are also being sought to cover ongoing costs including rent, broadcasting fees, broadcasting subscriptions and other overheads.
A crowdfunding campaign launched in late June and runs till midnight Saturday July 18th. Donations can be made via Givealittle, and also accepted via Ko‑fi and at upcoming fundraising events.
