BOG also have 32 kbps of unused DAB spectrum in Sydney, so how is that any good for listeners when they are hoarding scarce and valuable spectrum?
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The SRN stations are run on a shoestring with some odd decisions imposed on the stations - but they also offer markets a lot.
They also can be quite competitive, in Dubbo they were are strong against SCA, to the point they switched to a Triple M format instead of trying to stay head to head with Zoo, though Star/Hit was winning, it wasn’t overwhelming. 2DU notably for the topic of this thread, doing well despite being on AM, and maybe wouldn’t gain much if they did convert.
The networked shifts are usually the downfall of the SRN stations - aside from John Laws on the AM network - because their strengths are meeting the local market needs. They could probably do it better by adding streaming, but you don’t need a wholescale acquisition to fix that.
The negatives in the market of reduced local content, generic music that’s often the same as a signal from a neighbouring market, and the reduction in opportunities for people to get their start in the media industry.
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According to ACMA’s FYSO 2024-29 released this morning, the consultation paper for a LAP variation for Wangaratta originally earmarked for Q3 (Jul-Sept), which would enable an FM conversion for 3NE, is now scheduled to be released sometime this quarter, ie. by the end of the year.
The paper also has an update on the progress of the AM-FM conversions for competitive regional markets. Since the Draft FYSO 2024-29 release in March, 2DU in Dubbo has submitted a B92 form for LAP variation.
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“Continued to engage in targeted consultation with the ABC and commercial radio
broadcasters in Perth to progress replanning the Perth FM radio band”.
Sigh. ACMA’s never ending consultations over FM conversions. And not just in Perth. Though there’s a glimmer of hope Perth might be resolved in 2024-25 according to its planning schedule.
Yeah, right.
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I agree.
I don’t understand why most AM regional stations in Queensland are not eligible for FM conversions. Especially in the Rockhampton/ Gladstone listening area, where we have 2 AM stations targeting the same people when they both play music.
A lot of AM stations get interference with storms around this time of year. It can be painful listening to at times.
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Sigh indeed.
What consultation do they actually need? It’s either happening or it isn’t. There are frequencies available, so what are they even “consulting” about?
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We’re also at a point where the only consultation that should be happening is technical.
They should simply approve all city wide commercial and community AM broadcasters to convert to FM. Then work out the technical details later. Just get on with it.
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I can only think the issue is around 6IX and 6PR. Shouldn’t stop the ABCs from converting though.
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It does say
Activities planned for 2024–25
• Varying the Perth LAP to give effect to ABC AM to FM conversions and other requests.
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ACMA has released their consultation paper for the Wangaratta LAP Variation, which includes the proposal of converting 3NE to FM.
In summary:
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3NE to broadcast their main FM service on 92.1 MHz out of Warby Ranges, west of Wangaratta.
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102.1 Edge FM would move their transmitter from Mt Stanley to Warby Ranges in order to be co-sited with 3NE’s proposed main FM service.
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Four new FM translators for 3NE in Wodonga (93.7), Bright (91.3), Myrtleford (90.1), and Yarrawonga (88.9).
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To accomodate 3NE’s main FM service, Edge FM’s Bright translator (which from what I understand, is currently not on-air) would be re-allocated from 92.1 to 93.7 MHz.
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Some odd decisions in this one too.
So 3NE gets infills in places like Wodonga that 3NNN (Edge FM) doesn’t?
And 3NE seems like it gets to keep infills at places like Mt Buffalo where 3NNN doesn’t get one?
I couldn’t see any explanation why 3NE couldn’t also be at Mt Stanley.
I note there is no null on the 25kw power from the new site west of Wangaratta towards Shepparton (75 km away). Could be some overspill there too?
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Correct - Bright 92.1 is not on air, but Myrtleford 90.1 is.
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Who funds the changes to stations either not being converted or not under the same ownership of that being converted?
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Unless I skimmed past it there aren’t any in this case - 2HAY and 3SUN have to put up and shut up.
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True, but say Edge FM were on-air in their original frequency
It’s something I’ve wondered since seeing the community station based out of Tamworth needing to move their Liverpool Plains frequency
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Bright is already covered well by 99.1 3NE so an additional translator here seems wasteful. And yes I thought Wodonga was outside the Wangaratta licence area; certainly over the border would be.
3NE 92.1 would probably cause some grief for 2HAY in tropo; I recall getting Edge 102.1 quite well out at Hay (but using a portable Yagi).
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Agree.
I’m not a technical person in this regard but I feel ACMA is over engineering some of these FM conversions.
Surely it’s just a matter of duplicating what the existing FM station has (eg. In this case Edge) in the market but on a different available frequency.
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I think there have been cases where the ACMA has reimbursed stations for costs incurred relating to technical changes that are no fault of their own. The Quirindi one would be an example of that.
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Why Wodonga? Aren’t they already served by three commercial stations, including 2AY which like 3NE is also owned by Ace Radio Networks?
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You would think Ace would rather put a Edge Fm repeater in Wodonga, as you said 3NE is nearly a clone of 2ay apart from the afternoon shift
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