In a first for Townsville’s FM Community Station, 4ttt fm has announced that it will cover the election night count live from Townsville.

As part of the regular Saturday night Party Tracks program there will be 5 minute updates every 30 minutes from 6pm.

John Cokley a respected Journalist and now lecturer in Journalism at James Cook University will join with Students doing print media at JCU and Broadcaster Stephan Kent to present “a vibrant and up to the minute report of the local count.”

Dr Surin Maisrikrod, PhD, political analyst at James Cook University, will also comment on the election outcome during the night.

Maisrikrod is a well-published expert on Australia’s relationship with Asia and with Australia’s security position, especially regarding the effects of policies which have been promised during the election campaign.

In what has been described as a drawn out election campaign Australia votes on October 9th, the results will have far reaching consequences for the next 3 years. In Townsville will it be a land slide or will there be last minute poll changes?

With teams at the Tally Room, and using all the resources of 4ttt, the station will mount ELECTION 2004 – THE COUNT giving listeners the local slant. Listeners will hear input by local candidates, analysis and on the spot predictions and reports on the count as it proceeds with a focus on local seats.

Reports will begin at 6pm and be heard on the hour and half hour till Midnight on 4ttt 103.9 .