Plains FM’s ‘Cult Chat’ takes home NZ Radio & Podcast award

The Community Access Media Alliance is thrilled to announce Plains FM’s ‘Cult Chat’ has taken home the ‘Best Access Radio Programme’ at this year’s NZ Radio & Podcast Awards. 

Hosted by Dr Caroline Ansley, Lindy Jacomb, and Liz Gregory, ‘Cult Chat’ aims to raise awareness of New Zealand’s ‘cultverse’ by speaking to survivors, experts, and others. 

Dr Ansley founded the Centrepoint Restoration Project in 2015, a project that supports and advocates for child survivors of the controversial commune. 

“Our content is serious because cults in New Zealand significantly impact people. It’s a public health issue that lacks awareness among professionals, therapists, government agencies, and the public – leading to more people being recruited to harmful cults. 

“Our intention is to help Kiwis to cult-proof their lives and provide a platform for survivor voices. We thank the cult survivors who have generously shared their stories, experts for their knowledge, and our listeners.”

Judges for this year’s 47th NZ Radio & Podcast Awards highlighted Cult Chat’s technical quality and originality, recognising the importance of serving broader community interests. 

Community Access Media Alliance chair Jo Holsted says the NZ Radio & Podcast Awards offers an opportunity to showcase excellence in community broadcasting and acknowledge some of the fantastic local programmes being made every day across Aotearoa. 

As a champion of media made by and for diverse communities, CAMA celebrates the recognition of Community Access Media programming at a national level, she says. 

“We offer huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees in this year’s awards and acknowledge the wonderful team at RBA for their work in supporting diverse voices on air.”

Wellington Access Radio’s ‘The Blackhouse’, Plains FM’s ‘Duct Tape and Flip Flops’ and Planet FM’s ‘Take it From Us’ were also finalists. 

More about the finalists 

‘The Blackhouse’ shares stories, experiences, social observations, music, history, news, interviews, politics, and events from diverse global diasporic Pan-African communities across Aotearoa. Read here for more.

‘Duct Tape and Flip Flops’ is a podcast that combines Kiwi innovation, ingenuity, and originality. Join Josh and Josh to learn about some of the country’s greatest innovations and the people behind them. Read here for more.

On air since 1993, ‘Take It From Us’ brings you real stories from real people who talk about their lived experiences of mental health, addiction, and wellness. Read here for more.