The news may seem bleak at the moment, but there’s been a fabulous surprise behind the scenes at KCR. Our much-loved Tuesday morning presenter Jason Beasley-Hahn has shared some very happy news. J

ason popped the question nine years ago, and on 27 December, he and his partner Valerie finally sealed the deal - tying the knot and taking the plunge in a moment that delighted (and completely surprised) close family and friends.

Guests believed they were attending Valerie’s birthday celebration, only to discover they were actually witnessing a wedding. The surprise marriage came as a joyful shock to many, and a coach then whisked everyone away to Little Betty’s for the reception.

Those who know Jason won’t be surprised by the romance. He’s long had a reputation as a true romantic, something that’s obvious to anyone who follows his Tuesday morning playlist from 7 to 9 a.m. Congratulations to Jason and Valerie from all of us at KCR. Images 1, 2, 3

KCR Is Growing - Meet Our New Voices!

"We’re thrilled to announce a wave of fresh energy at KCR! Six talented new volunteers are joining our team, each bringing unique skills, perspectives, and passion to the station," Peter Sullivan, Director of Programming.

KCR is pleased to welcome several new and returning presenters to the station. John Stott joins KCR with a new program, Off the Rails, a monthly on-air adventure with Jason Beasley-Hahn featuring trains, pushbikes, food, and stories. Tim Brosnan brings more than 40 years of experience in commercial and community radio, most recently at VOX FM. His new program, Drive Time with Tim Brosnan, airs Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m., delivering smooth tunes, sharp insights, and unmistakable radio charm. Image: Tim Brosnan

KCR is also delighted to welcome both returning and new voices to The Kiama Book Space. After time away while serving as Kiama’s Mayor, Neil Reilly returns to the microphone, joined by Cam McConachie, Jane Parbury, Diane Ellison, and Karen Lateo. The program celebrates reading, exploring the stories behind the stories and the books that inspire us, making it a must-listen for book lovers. Listeners can tune in via KCR’s digital streaming service at kcr.org.au.

KCR - Programming Update

KCR has several programming updates this February. Cool Classics with Lee Cordner is expanding to a two-hour program, airing Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m., with a repeat broadcast on Sundays from 6 to 8 p.m., starting 5 February.

Two new programs are also joining the schedule: Grass Roots Folk, presented by Neil McCann, will air Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m., commencing 4 February, and Metalmorphosis, presented by Myron (Boris Gazibarich), launches on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m., starting 5 February. In addition, New Yorker Down Under with Steven Peacock is moving to a new timeslot on Fridays from 7 to 8 p.m., effective 23 January. Listeners can tune in via KCR’s digital streaming service at kcr.org.au.

Chat Tuesday and Council Counsel

I will be taking a break from presenting Chat Tuesday and Council Counsel to focus on supporting KCR behind the scenes as Marketing Manager. Hosting these programs has been an incredibly rewarding experience - meeting inspiring members of our community, hearing their stories, and engaging with councillors past and present. I have immense respect for the dedication they bring to our local area, and I am deeply grateful for the connections, conversations, and insights shared on air.

That being said, I’m excited to be on air this Friday at The Kiama Show. KCR will be live streaming directly from the Show from 8 to 10 a.m., with live crosses to anchor Glenn Shepherd, and interviews including Kiama Show President Guy Stearn, Piers Parbury, and other visitors. Please come and meet our team in the Local and Homegrown Hub - we’d love to say hello and share what’s happening at KCR.

New Podcast

Dr. Scott Wilson, Honorary Research Scientist at Macquarie University and Senior Research Fellow at RMIT, with 25 years’ experience as an ecotoxicologist and environmental scientist, recently visited Kiama Library to talk about microplastics and AUSMAP, the Australian Microplastics Assessment Project, of which he is Research Director. AUSMAP is a citizen science project that counts microplastic particles washing up along waterways in locations across Australia.

Scott was introduced by Karen Lang, who leads the local AUSMAP team, and the event was hosted by Michelle Hudson, representing Kiama Library.