Sydney local community station, FM 99.3, is conducting a survey throughout Sydney’s north shore area this month to check the reception of its signal, prior to erecting a new aerial.

The survey will ask listeners whether they can receive the station signal in their homes and the quality of the reception.

After the new aerial is erected early next month, the survey will be repeated to see what improvement in reception has been achieved.

The new aerial, which will cost $20,000, is located on the roof of Chatsworth Towers in Victoria Avenue, Chatswood.

FM 99.3 Station Manager, Michael Beaumont, has told radioinfo the new aerial is mixed polarisation, which means that the signal can be picked up by radios with different types of receiving aerials.

“We are hoping that this new aerial with improve reception which means that we could more that double the size of our audience.

“We already know we enjoy widespread local listener support as we recently raised more than $40,000 during our annual radiothon. Our annual personal subscription is $66, with the funds being used to help keep the station on the air.

“The new aerial is the most important project we’ve undertaken in our 23 year history and we ask local residents to cooperate with our survey volunteers when they call at their home.”

The station has more than 135 volunteers but Beaumont says he can always use some more, “either to help us in the survey, in administration or even to take up a broadcasting role.”

Anyone who feels that they would like to volunteer can call FM99.3 on 9419 6969.