Mission, Vision and History

Combined Vision and Mission Statement

Zone Radio 93.3 FM is a dynamic platform that celebrates local music, empowers youth through media training, supports small businesses, and showcases the best of the Deep South and South Africa to the world. Through engaging adult contemporary programming, we connect and grow the “Zone Radio Community,” provide innovative and cost-effective advertising solutions, nurture emerging broadcasting talent, and offer South African and independent musicians the opportunity to share their art with a wider audience.

Our History

Zone Radio was born from the vision of South African broadcasting doyen Big Steve Wood and Richard Griggs. Having worked together at a Cape Town regional station, they saw radio becoming increasingly commercialized and distant from its audience. Listeners had little say in the music played, independent artists struggled for exposure, small businesses were often priced out of advertising, and aspiring presenters had few opportunities to develop their skills.

With the support of Judy Roberson and others, they set out to create a new kind of radio—one that would put the audience, independent artists, and emerging talent first. Licensing and frequency challenges initially prevented a traditional FM station, so they turned to online streaming—a bold move in pre-2010 South Africa, when very few stations were online.

Guided by four founding pillars, Zone Radio was designed to:

1. Play the music people want to hear, giving listeners the power to request and influence playlists.
2. Support South African and independent artists, allowing easy music submission and letting audiences decide what succeeds.
3. Develop new presenter talent, offering training and opportunities free of charge.
4. Provide affordable advertising, making radio accessible to smaller businesses.

Although Big Steve Wood passed away before the vision could be realized, Richard pressed on. On 1 April 2011, Zone Radio Online launched, quickly building a loyal following in South Africa and abroad. The journey was not without challenges—there were many highs and lows, and the station often teetered on the brink of closure—but Richard, Judy, and a dedicated team of presenters persevered.

In 2019, after the lifting of the Low Power Commercial Community licence moratorium, Zone Radio successfully applied for an FM licence in the Deep South Peninsula and launched its FM broadcast, while continuing online streaming.

In 2024, the station faced setbacks, losing its licence and needing a new premises. With unwavering community and sponsor support, and a world-class presenter team, Zone Radio overcame these obstacles. A new licence was issued, and a state-of-the-art studio at Longbeach Mall launched in September 2025.

Through every challenge, Zone Radio has remained true to Big Steve Wood’s legacy, its founding pillars, and its commitment to listeners, artists, and emerging talent.