Help Keep Cliff Richard Radio Going

Cliff Richard Radio was the idea of Auckland born and raised mega-Cliff fan Paul Dyer, 33. It was started in October 2013 and is listed in New Zealand as a non-profit organisation. The station plays 24/7 Cliff Richard music and occasionally features Cliff's musical friends and inspirations, notably Olivia Newton-John, Cilla Black, The Shadows and Elvis. Keep in mind, this 24/7 catalog of music is ad-free.

In accordance with the law here in New Zealand, Paul pays a hosting fee for his website, www.cliffrichardradio.co.nz, and a licensing fee permitting him to play Cliff Richard and friends' music. These costs are met by Paul through working a full time sales job in one of Australasia's largest electronic entertainment chains. As you can imagine, these fees take quite a hefty chunk out of Paul's annual wage, but he continues to do it for the fans.

On average, Cliff Richard Radio has 12,000 listeners per week worldwide with fans stretching throughout the UK, the Netherlands, Denmark, Australia and beyond. The Cliff Richard Radio Facebook page where Paul keeps listeners up to date with Cliff Richard news, interviews, tour information, listener polls and weekly guides around what is coming up on CRR is nearing 19,000 followers.

When asked why he continues to put so much time and effort, as well as cash, into this project, which includes spending hours compiling playlists and content for listeners, he humbly acknowledges that it just comes down to the devotion Paul shares with others worldwide for one very special Knight.

Throughout his career, including 102 albums, Sir Cliff has touched the hearts of millions. A great example of that is the small group of collaborators to Paul's online radio station who come up with their own content; the Dutch Team, Nate Roberts, Petra and Terri. Their weekly slots attract a substantial number of listeners to Cliff Richard Radio in their own right.

During the live shows, listeners engage in live chat through Facebook. A real online community has evolved from Cliff Richard Radio and Paul takes heart of the fact that there are many people who, at times, find solace and company through this community where they may otherwise feel alone in their homes and communities.

Sir Cliff's music has had this way of bringing people together but the fact is, for Cliff Richard Radio to continue as a non-profit and thus remain ad-free, Paul needs a bit of help. If each Facebook follower, for example, were to offer a $1 donation, that would add up to at least two and a half years' worth of hosting and licensing fees.

Use of funds

While he is apprehensive about the idea of receiving donations, this is something that will assist in cementing the future of Cliff Richard Radio, 24/7 ad-free Cliff music, and the friends and the sense of community and belonging that stems from this project. The computer that has ran nonstop for 6 years is on its way out and also needs replacing, these are very expensive and without this there’d be no more radio.