PUKFM SET TO LAUNCH INNOVATIVE RADIO APP

Lesiba Dikhoba

@lesiba.dikhoba

PUKfm, the campus radio station at the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus, is set to launch its innovative mobile app aimed at making the station more accessible to students and listeners across the country.

The app, developed in collaboration with NWU Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (IT) students, makes PUKfm the first campus radio station to introduce a dedicated app — offering a range of features to enhance the listening experience.

Bring Radio to the Digital Era

PUKfm Station Manager, Katlego Nkwe, highlighted the motivation behind the app and emphasised the importance for easy access in the digital era.

“We live in a time where many devices no longer have FM radio capabilities and our goal is to make it easier for students to tune in, no matter where they are. It’s about broadening our reach and keeping students informed.”

Listeners will be able to live-stream the station, check show schedules, and receive updates on events and news. The app also connects users to Wapad, the student newspaper at the NWU, allowing them to read articles and stay informed about campus life.

Nkwe elaborated on the app’s significance, stating, “This app represents more than just a new platform for us; it symbolises our commitment to evolving with the times and meeting the needs of our audience. We want to create a space where students feel connected to their campus community, no matter where life takes them.”

The Development Journey

The idea for the app began when Nkwe struggled to listen to PUKfm from outside the station’s broadcast range. He partnered with IT students, including Michael Wakeford, a fourth-year honours student in Computer Science and Information Technology, who led the development team.

Wakeford led a team that included Charmain Lebelo, Etienne Berg, Daniel Badenhorst, and Siyanda Kunene. He shared how the project originated.

“We were grouped together in a module called Information Systems Engineering, and I was chosen as the project lead. Puk FM needed a better way to reach its audience, so we suggested a mobile app. Most students use their phones frequently, so it made sense.”

The team used Flutter and Firebase to create the app, and spent six months building and refining it. Wakeford noted that their biggest challenge was providing robust features on a tight budget.

“The hardest part was delivering all the functionalities without spending any money. Services like APIs and solid backend solutions often come with costs, so we had to find alternatives. But we were determined to make it work.”

Additionally, publishing the app on iOS proved challenging, while Android deployment was smoother. The app is currently in testing, with plans for an official launch once logistical issues are resolved.

Enhanced Student Engagement with Wapad

Shanell Binedell, Wapad’s Editor-In-Chief, highlighted that the new app is a significant development for the publication.
“This app marks an exciting step for us. It will help us grow and engage with more readers, allowing us to adapt to the digital era of journalism.”

Looking Forward to the Future

PUKfm’s app is expected to revolutionise how students access campus radio, offering a modern, convenient way to stay connected. With continuous updates and improvements, it has the potential to become a valuable resource for both listeners and readers.

Edited by Mhlengi Khumalo