Lost: blackout blows out historical recording

13 December, 2007

Lost: blackout blows out historical recording

Thirty years of historical broadcasting disappeared in the blink of a blackout last weekend, as a suspected power surge wiped out the recording of Radio Active 89FM’s historical RetroActive broadcast.

Radio Active was celebrating its 30th birthday by broadcasting a 30 hour continuous party, with each hour corresponding with a year from Radio Active 89FM’s glorious history.

Two computers that were simultaneously recording the broadcast were affected by an apparent power problem, as they were both reset at the same time. It is not known whether they were connected with the spate of blackouts and surges that have plagued the Wellington CBD this week.

"It was some of the best radio that we’ve ever had on Radio Active and it was lost in the blink of a blackout,” said station manager Dave Gibbons.

"We had two computers, one located all the way out in Houghton Bay and another at the station, and the problem disconnected the feeds to the recording computers.

“Obviously we’re all pretty bummed out about this ‘cos the feedback about the 30 hour RetroActive broadcast has been off the charts and it would be great to make that broadcast available for people who want to revisit their favourite hours in pop history.

"Not only was the best alternative music from each year broadcast on RetroActive but we spiced it up with audio clip of the grand moments of Radio Active, including office brawls, office sex, drunk DJs, angry announcers, historical stings and the complete nutters that have contributed to Radio Active’s colourful history," he said

Radio Active 89FM is pleading for anyone who may have recorded even just parts of the broadcast to contact the station.

"Somewhere out there, someone may have recorded parts of the RetroActive broadcast, so we’re asking you to please step forward, identify yourself and do us all a massive favour," said Mr Gibbons.

ENDS

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