How do you get those as I don’t see them on my app? The DJ (DJ X) mostly plays well known stuff with the AI voice.
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I don’t think the ABC can pull it off. But I do think there is an audience for it in this country. Not as big as the BBC R2 audience of course. But I really suspect there is a big audience for it, especially as most people you talk to these days just don’t like the current commercial radio offerings. A lot of the people who are turning off commercial radio these days, and don’t like the current ABC formats, would be happy with an R2 format in my view.
That’s fair enough. And I respect that. But I don’t think Australians are really into English style radio.
Single jocks, folksy, pop-style, funny.
Because the bogan demographic is so huge in Australia compared to other countries (close to 50%, as opposed to around 10% in Aotearoa and the UK), I don’t think there’s really an appetite for it. Otherwise we would have it.
Yes, there is a market of non-bogan Australians who would listen to an ABC Radio 2, but even then I guess there’s a pretentiousness to it. That JJJ and Double J snobbery that turns its nose up at pop music.
It’s the listeners themselves.
I honestly see Triple J and Double J aligning more closely with the approach of BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra than Radio 2. A Ken Bruce/Steve Wright-style role, for someone like Sammy J, wouldn’t really fit the identity of either station in my opinion.
Both are designed to be the ABC Radio’s ‘youth’ brands and should target the same audience profiles that stations like Hit, KIIS, Nova, and CADA are already competing for. I’d prioritize creating a fresher, broader, and more dynamic brand and programming strategy. Once that foundation is solid, I’d work on diversifying the music and genre mix to reflect a Top 40/chart-oriented vibe, all while maintaining a strong focus on Australian artists.
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Double J is not a youth brand?
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I didn’t say that. What I did say was that both aren’t now, and would never be, a good ‘fit’ for a Radio 2-style format, as they are both youth-oriented brands. BBC Radio 2 has a target audience of 35+ year-olds, whereas Triple J targets 18–24-year-olds, and Double J focuses on those aged 30 and over.
Radio 2 follows an adult contemporary music format, which neither Triple J nor Double J aligns with. Instead, both would be more in tune with the format of BBC Radio 1 or 1Xtra
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I’ve been listening to my DJ X for a couple of hours now. And all I’ve got is a long block of non-stop yacht rock.
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It’s all in the settings. It’s becoming my go to now, U setup default news service and enable localised updates
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I agree, it seems silly to essentialy cede that audience to the commercial sector. So we’ll probably never see Double J on FM.
Double J is just Triple J with a broader time remit.
Exactly my point. If ABC Radio were to create a Radio 2-style format or adopt a BBC-style restructure, they’d need to reformat an existing station from their current network—one that either already fits, wouldn’t require significant changes, or it could be achieved by merging two stations. For example, combining Radio National with Classic FM and gradually evolving that hybrid station could result in something closer to the desired outcome.
While I enjoy listening to Double J, I think it could be better served by having a wider format rather than trying to chase people who are ex-Triple J listeners.
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Double J should go more ‘adult album alternative’ or ‘intelligent alternative’. As it stands they are far too close to the parent station and play too much modern music; modern hip hop is particularly jarring. There is also too much swearing for the older listener. Call me out of touch but I still think excess profanity is one of the hallmarks of low brow culture. Most intelligent people grow out of gratuitous swearing and don’t want to hear it on the radio either.
That’s my Christmas rant over with.
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Very well said. You hit the nail on the head.
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(And no, I wasn’t under the influence of either drink or poorly cooked ham).
A jazzed up ‘Coast FM’ model would work quite well. ABC DiG (remember that?) was also too alternative for my liking, though iirc didn’t play any hip hop or harder edged rock. They could take some cues from Radio Paradise, an online eclectic alternative outlet.
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Yeah I think it’s a great idea to have that ‘curated’ sound. Whenever I’d listen to Richard Kingsmill I always felt that every track he played had been carefully handpicked.
You sorta get the same feel listening to Radio 2.
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Radio Paradise can get a bit morose and sleepy at times but is well curated for sure. BBC Radio 2 is too poppy for me at times. A middle way between these two would be the ideal; more ‘mainstream alternative’ with a softer lean if that’s not an oxymoron.
Agree 
.
Most of the time I can’t tell the difference between triple J and Double J. It’s such a wasted opportunity and it’s one of the main reasons I don’t think ABC could pull off a BBC Radio 2.
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All JJ needs to do is play some Kate Cebrano Brave, every now and then.
Hypothetical RSN and SEN Merger and Format Split
A proposed merger between RSN and SEN aiming to reorganize and optimize their formats by creating two distinct, genre-specific stations: Racing Radio and Sports Central. This approach would streamline content delivery, cater to target audiences more effectively, and ensure a nationwide broadcast footprint.
Racing Radio
Objective:
To focus exclusively on racing, Racing Radio would combine the racing elements of RSN with complementary programming from SEN Track, enhanced by additional thoroughbred content from RDC.
Presenting Lineup:
The on-air team would feature a mix of existing RSN and SEN racing personalities and analysts, ensuring a wealth of expertise and familiarity for listeners.
Format:
The station would adopt a genre-specific approach, offering code-centric programs tailored to the unique aspects of thoroughbred, harness, and greyhound racing. Each program would be hosted by individuals with in-depth knowledge of their respective codes, ensuring authoritative and engaging content.
Sports Central
Objective:
Sports Central would focus on general sports, combining RSN’s sports programming with SEN’s live sports coverage and support content, alongside contributions from other sources.
Presenting Lineup:
A diverse team of RSN and SEN sports personalities, analysts, and call teams would deliver engaging commentary, analysis, and talkback sessions.
Format:
The programming would prioritize all sports outside of racing. A talkback lineup would incorporate existing RSN and SEN programs, while SEN’s current sporting content would continue under the unified branding of [Sport] Central. The station would also cover international events and provide overnight results to keep listeners informed around the clock.
Networking and Broadcast Distribution
- Racing Radio would replace RSN 927 and select SEN Track-branded relays.
- Sports Central would take over some RSN regional relays, SEN 1116, and the majority of SEN-branded relays.
- Both stations would be configured to achieve a nationwide broadcast footprint, ensuring accessibility for audiences across the country.
This hypothetical merger and format split would allow each station to deliver content tailored to its specific audience, enhancing listener engagement and solidifying the brands’ positions in the competitive broadcasting landscape.
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