AIR-FM Drive Presenter Darren McErlain will have a ton of reasons to celebrate tomorrow, when he presents the 100th episode of his program.
McErlain is part of a team that creates a mix of local information and 80’s music tailored to Air-FM 88.0’s audience across Penrith.
Dubbed ‘The home of great 80’s music’, the narrowcaster also curates local news and information to keep its audience abreast of relevant issues across the region.
McErlain has told radioinfo his longevity demonstrates the station’s determination to supply content that strongly appeals to a local audience.
“AIR-FM Drive is on 7 days a week from 3-6pm, so that the community has a relevant local radio service with immediate content, that applies to both their lives and their neighbourhood.” he said.
McErlain has worked as a journalist, voice-actor, and impressionist since he was 16 years old. He has lived in Penrith all of his 43 years and is dedicated to using radio to inform and entertain others.
McErlain said his AIR-FM Drive audience is kept abreast of local events like markets, and alerted to emergency situations such as bushfires and road closures.
“The demographics of 80’s music fans mostly consists of those with a family, mortgage and or those on a budget, so I am always on the lookout for free things for my listeners from local businesses and Penrith City Council.”
Sport and culture are also integral elements of his program.
“The Matildas were playing soccer against Brazil at the local stadium, tennis tournaments were underway and the popular DefQon.1 Music Festival had many road closures, so we proudly helped Penrith residents navigate through the traffic congestion in their home town.”
McErlain believes broadcasting on 88.0FM and online simultaneously via Tunein.com connects with listeners without the internet and dedicated fans outside the region.
“Penrith has a population of 206,000 people but radio promotes our local events to others around the world. It has been a great opportunity to promote tourism and using our festivities as a great talking point beyond our community,” he said.
Listen to AIR-FM on 88.0FM in Penrith, Tunein.com, Facebook @airfmdrive or on twitter @airfm880.
Darren McErlain hosts Drive 3-6pm 7 days per week.