Obviously I haven’t been following these events. Tracked it this to: https://radioinfo.com.au/news/arn-media-puts-in-a-bid-for-southern-cross-medias-share-capital/
Never heard of ACP but still ongoing: https://radioinfo.com.au/news/arn-ups-its-offer-for-sca/
I am sure this merger (in whatever form) will happen before ACMA ever makes a decision on the FM replanning for Perth.
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ACP is partnering with ARN on the bid and then the stations will be split between the two companies to ensure a maximum of 2 in each market.
ARN will retain Triple M and KIIS stations and ACP will own the Hit network and Pure Gold stations.
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According to an update from the FYSO 2023-28 annual progress report released today, the variations to the Perth LAP to give effect to ABC AM to FM conversions and other requests is said to be ongoing, and reviewing information from broadcasters. No firm date has been set on when (probably more likely if at this rate) the consultation paper for the Draft LAP will be released.
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We really need to do a FOI request to understand what’s going on behind the scenes. I feel their response here is more a placeholder response to be seen to be doing something when really, they’re doing nothing.
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An update on the ongoing saga that is the AM-FM conversions of Perth’s AM stations.
According to the FYSO 2024-29 6-month progress report released today, the variations to the Perth LAP to give give effect to ABC AM to FM conversions and other requests is scheduled to be released sometime in Q1 2025 (ie. end of March). According to the document, the reason for the delay is due to “competing priorities”.
Will it finally be released by the end of next month, or will it get pushed back again? 
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So has the plan to convert 6iX and 6PR been dropped?
This seems really unfair to them if ABC Local, RN and NewsRadio are going FM. Surely that gives them a huge advantage over 6PR in particular.
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I recall the ACMA left it up to the broadcasters themselves to determine if 6IX and 6PR should convert. The existing commercial FMs were against it, so on that score, it appeared doomed.
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Wow that’s the epitome of abrogating their responsibility as regulator. It’s absurd to just leave it up to the commercial players to sort it out for themselves.
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I thought this article from the “West Australian” way back in 1987 was interesting in light of the current plan, which appears to have stalled.
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An update on the neverending ongoing saga that is the AM-FM conversions of Perth’s AM stations.
According to the FYSO 2024-29 annual progress report that was released today, the variations to the Perth LAP to give effect to ABC AM to FM conversions and other requests is scheduled to be released sometime in Q3 2025 (ie. up until end of September). According to the document, the reason for the delay (from Q1 2025) is due to technical issues faced by stakeholders.
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On a related matter (being on the same page of the report and relating to the same state), does anyone know what the proposal to “Vary the Remote Western Australia Radio LAP” comprises?
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So only ABC stations and not 6iX and 6PR?
You’d think having ABC on FM is going to really disadvantage 6PR in particular, being a talk format.
Possibly just more mining or in fill licenses for 6FMS and 6SAT?
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Not having ads is probably an even bigger advantage.. but then DAB and streaming are readily available too to help even up AM vs FM, so I can’t imagine 6WF being on FM is going to change things too much for 6PR?
ACMA has finally released its Consultation Paper for the AM-FM conversions of ABC AM services in Perth.
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I would expect 6iX and especially 6PR to object to this. It would put 6PR in a very disadvantaged position against ABC Local and RN being stuck on AM and the ABC stations on FM.
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I think the ACMA previously decided they would leave it up to the existing FM broadcasters to determine whether they would allow 6IX and 6PR to convert to FM… they (naturally) said NO.
The allocation of 106.5 to the Perth City HPON (now on 103.3, which will become 6RN) might mean that the window of opportunity 6PR had to supplement it’s AM service with north/south repeaters as 6IX has done on 105.7 may have now passed (as that was the identified frequency for such a service).
I also thought the ACMA was going to propose 6HFM Armadale to move from 107.3 to 107.0 (an ‘odd’ frequency), but I can’t see that discussed in the paper anywhere. Must now not be needed?
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Yes, the ACMA has indicated it’s up to the commercial broadcasters to “agree” for 6iX and 6PR to convert. That’s about the most ridiculous thing the ACMA has ever said - as if the others would agree LOL.
Either way, I don’t think this would preclude them both submitting objections to the consultation paper on the ABC stations converting. Whether the ACMA would listen is doubtful.
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Stuff the FM conversions- I’m looking forward to hearing what the redoubtable Alan H has to say!
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If Perth is able to have its ABC stations convert to FM, what city do you think would be next for FM conversions?