Three weeks on and the launch of local Radio Station “BOPFM” (105.4FM) has been a huge success. Playing a range of hit songs, and broadcasting to the entire Bay Of Plenty region, the dream has become a reality for Jarra Borman, Jesse Archer, and Bing Crosby.

Managing Director “Jarra” wanted to bring back that local radio vibe, that has diminished over the years, and with the help of Jesse and Bing, that goal has become a reality. Playing local and international music on the cutting edge, with a mix of alternative and familiar songs, it is already a force to be reckoned with, to the listening audience.

With coverage stretching from Tairua to Whakatane, its license to broadcast at 8000 watts, has given back to the area, something that has long been missing. A radio station that is first and foremost dedicated to the local area, providing great content to its listeners, and a very effective advertising platform for many local businesses.

On Friday the 10th of July 2009, Ethan James (ethan2rock) has been invited to spend the day at the station, assisting in the studio when required, singing and performing live with his acoustic guitar, and generally having a fun day with the station crew. Entering a new phase in his musical career, Ethan took the invitation with a mixture of excitement and enthusiasm, a lot like the feeling a kid gets when he knows Christmas is only 2 days away. The fact that the radio station is locally based, and supports the Tauranga district, is a great added bonus for Ethan, as he has also supported the local community through busking and spending his hard earned money on music lessons from local talented tutors.

He also spends a lot of money with the three local music stores, as you can well imagine. Most kids spend all their free time at the skateboard park, or the movies, but not this 12yo kid, now living in the Bay! If he had the chance, and the time, it would all be spent at “Mayers Music Store” in Tauranga.

Anyway, so this coming Friday is the day. The day when Ethan gets his shot at playing Radio DJ and also giving his local fans, most of whom now know him from his busking and live gigs in the area, a new dimension. As always our full support is behind him, and we take pride in knowing that he is yet again moving in a forward direction with his music.