The broadcaster of roughly a quarter century says it means she can do what she loves best: talking with loyal listeners mid-show.

"I get many ringing up and say 'hello' during my program," Ms Forbes said.

The country music performer and Phoenix FM presenter is among those prerecording shows at home out of concern for their health since the start of the crisis.

"At that time the government was suggesting people over 70-years lock down at home," Ms Forbes said.

"I didn't want to pick up any disease and pass it on to anyone else. When you are using microphones everyone is breathing in and out onto equipment."

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Phoenix FM business manager Anne Conway said some volunteers set up entire home studios during the height of the pandemic.

Others stopped presenting shows, while more were able to keep coming into the studio if they felt safe to do so.

Ms Conway thanked those who had volunteered to cover time slots and help the station during the pandemic.

Ms Forbes returned to the studio for her first live show in months late last week.

"Being on community radio is an honour for me because I feel like I can help the community," she said.

"Listeners have also supported me, not only with the radio show but throughout my career."

Ms Forbes has been a country music performer since the 1960s.

She began broadcasting in the mid-1990s and was among those who helped start Phoenix FM in 2008.

Since then, her show has attracted listeners from across Bendigo and there are people who regularly tune in to the station's online stream from as far away as Ireland.

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