Community radio in Perth is alive and thriving despite desperately needing a financial lifeline.

That’s according to the team at RTRFM on the eve of the station’s annual fundraiser Radiothon.

RTRFM has been broadcasting Australian and local music since 1977 and it costs more than a million dollars a year to run.

Radiothon is slightly different to normal programming in that presenters focus their shows more on local music and celebrating community radio via on-air conversations with listeners.

Along with sponsorships, staff say donations from Radiothon are crucial to attract new subscribers and allow them to continue sharing homegrown music.

RTRFM General Manager Simon Miraudo says while the station’s motto ‘The Sound Alternative’ isn’t under immediate threat, it could be without subscriber contributions.

According to Community Broadcasting Association of Australia, 23 per cent of Australians or nearly one-in four-people listen to community radio weekly.

RTRFM Breakfast host Pamela Boland says as a medium, community radio exists in an accessible format, provides training opportunities for volunteers and is always there for listeners around the clock.

Singer and guitarist Hannah Coakley from Perth band Smol Fish says RTRFM has had a massive effect on the growth of the group.

“I don’t think we would have any audience if we hadn’t been played on RTR. Especially as a super local band we need that community audience, and that is exactly what RTR provides.”

Smol Fish have had massive audience growth after the release of their first single in 2020. Hannah says the band’s success in Perth can be attributed to how welcoming community stations like RTRFM are.

Radiothon kicks off Friday morning on Breakfast with Pam live at The Bird and continues until Sunday, August 25.

RTRFM hopes to raise more than $300,000 or roughly one third of the station’s annual operating budget.