“This radio is our baby”says little moved Catherine Monin, coordinator of Raje Avignon. Established in the city for 26 years, Radio Raje has 24 members, has 30,000 daily listeners and reaches an audience ranging from 20 to 58 years old. A true local player in the field of culture, leisure and information, the radio is a partner of several festivals and a number of interviews during the July festival.
“Recognized in the department but not by local institutions”today, radio is in danger. To bring it to life every day, Benjamin Cussey, communications manager, and Sarah Lahouari, host, come from the Nîmes branch to help the Avignon team.
In fact, the only subsidy it benefits from is that of the Radio Expression Support Fund (FSER) dependent on the Ministry of Culture: an envelope of €38,000 per year. “Today, that's not enough. For 8 years we haven't had any help from the communities due to budgetary constraints. That's what I get told all the time”deplores Catherine Monin. “Before, the City financed the radio to the tune of 13,000 € per year; 10,000 € were allocated by the Department and between 10,000 and 20,000 € by the Region.”
Ever higher costs
“I'm sure people don't realize how much it costs. Between the rent of the premises, utilities, broadcasting costs… It's impossible for us to continue without help”says Raje’s coordinator. To broadcast on FM, the radio must pay €2,100 per month. Add to this 400 euros to access digital broadcasting (DAB +): “We already have €2,500 going just to be able to broadcast. This is untenable.“In fact, the part-time employee will see his contract terminated.
President of Radio Raje, Alexandre Cussey, “stay very attentive” regarding the allocation of the FSER. If initially, the 2025 finance bill provided for a reduction of almost 30% of the FSER, “the funds were finally maintained… but we are not safe from a 49.3”whispers the president. For Radio Raje, the findings are clear “if there is a drop or stoppage of FSER, it will be the end of Radio Raje, we will have no choice but to stop”.
To try to breathe new life into radio, Catherine Monin launched a membership campaign with a minimum rate of €5.
To join or make a donation, click here.
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