Blackrock Casino is supporting the voice of Newcastle, Newcastle Community Radio, by purchasing it studio equipment and sponsoring the station’s studio and office space.
The radio station, previously situated in Madadeni, is housed in a prime location at the main entrance of the Blackrock Casino and Entertainment Complex. Newcastle Community Radio broadcasts in English, Zulu and Afrikaans to Newcastle;  Dannhauser; Memel; Volksrust; Vryheid; Nqutu; Dundee; Glencoe; Ladysmith, and surrounding areas. It has a listenership of about 180 000, and growing.
It’s daily entertainment package is a mixed bag of local music, sound and informative and interactive talk shows on topics ranging from education, health and current affairs to youth matters and local happenings. Newcastle Community Radio is committed to uplifting and supporting local music talent by giving South African artists a platform to showcase and promote their music.
The station was nominated for the recent 2010 South African Traditional Music (SATMA) Awards, and one of its regular DJs, DJ Mahlaphahlapha, won the prize for Best DJ.
Station manager, Sandile N gcobo, says Newcastle Community Radio Station is honoured to have been nominated for the SATMA Awards and proud to have one of its own take top accolades for best DJ.
 “Newcastle Radio Station has come a long way from its humble beginnings and we are continually growing and improving our service to the community. We strive to deliver entertainment, news and music that’s relevant to our community, and we will always remain true to our roots.

“We’re obviously very proud to be recognised with a SATMA award. We want our community to share our jubilation and celebrate with us. We also want to thank our loyal listeners for their ongoing support of the station,” he says.

Blackrock Casino’s general manager, John McGregor says it’s fitting to have the “voice of Newcastle” situated at the town’s entertainment hub.
“We’re delighted to be able to support our local community station by providing it with a place to call home. Blackrock Casino, Hotel and Entertainment Complex has established itself as the premium entertainment destination in Newcastle, just as Newcastle Community Radio entrenched its reputation as the mouth-piece of the community.”
“Community radio stations like ours have an important role to play in keeping the community spirit alive and in addressing issues and affairs that are close to the community’s heart. It is important for business and communities themselves to support their local radio as without this support, these invaluable channels of communication will become obsolete. We are thrilled that our community is behind its station and that it is growing from strength to strength,” says McGregor.