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Perth Radio Stations Announce Frequency Changes Initiated by ACMA

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Perth Radio Stations Announce Major Frequency Adjustments

Multiple radio stations in the Perth metropolitan area have announced or completed frequency adjustments, following a redistribution of frequencies by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Kalamunda Community Radio (KCR) has moved to 88.9 FM, while ABC Radio Perth has transitioned from AM to 102.5 FM. ABC Radio National and ABC NewsRadio are also shifting to new FM frequencies as part of these changes, with some commencing operations on their new frequencies as of February 23.

Understanding the Shift: Frequency Changes and Rationale

The primary driver behind these adjustments is ACMA's redistribution of the FM band.

Kalamunda Community Radio (KCR)

The station has relocated from its previous 102.5 FM frequency to 88.9 FM. Roger Jennings, chair of KCR, stated that the new 88.9 position is expected to improve discoverability for auto-tuning car radios, as the station will no longer be situated between more powerful broadcasters.

ABC Radio Perth

After more than a century of broadcasting on the AM band, specifically 720 AM, ABC Radio Perth has transitioned to 102.5 FM. Station manager Danielle Benda noted that this change is intended to enhance the listening experience by addressing issues such as electrical interference commonly associated with AM radio transmissions in metropolitan areas. The previous 720 AM channel is scheduled to cease operations permanently in late April.

ABC Radio National

This station is moving from 810 AM to 103.3 FM.

ABC NewsRadio

NewsRadio will begin a simulcast on 104.1 FM while continuing to broadcast on 585 AM to fulfill its legislative requirement to transmit Federal Parliament proceedings on a medium wave.

These frequency adjustments for ABC stations, including ABC Radio Perth to 102.5 FM, Radio National to 103.3 FM, and NewsRadio to 104.1 FM, were scheduled to commence on February 23.

In Focus: Station Specifics and Operations

Kalamunda Community Radio (KCR)

  • Operations: KCR operates entirely with volunteers and is funded through grants and sponsorships. It provides a local radio service focusing on hyper-local stories within the Perth Hills region, topics often not covered by larger stations.
  • Programming: The station allows its volunteer presenters to explore a diverse range of musical interests, including 20th-century classical music, rock, soul, and folk.
  • History: Founded in 2000, KCR initially broadcast from the cells of the old Kalamunda Police Station before moving to purpose-built studios in the Gooseberry Hill Community Centre. The current studios received state government funding.
  • Outlook: KCR's objectives include stabilizing its position on the new frequency, ensuring listener awareness of the change, and maintaining a sufficient number of presenters. The station tracks listenership through social media engagement and online streaming, noting an international online audience.

ABC Radio Perth

  • History: Initially known as 6WF and founded by Westralian Farmers in June 1924, ABC Radio Perth has broadcast on the AM band for 102 years, with transmissions from Hamersley since the 1930s.
  • Scope: The move to 102.5 FM will not impact ABC Radio's regional services, which will continue to broadcast on AM, nor will it affect the broadcaster's digital and television services.