Radio History

[TV-Expert]

@TelevisionAU

I recall that SUN FM in Shepparton was boasting as “Australia’s first inland commercial FM station” when it launched in late 1990. I guess that’s a “first” of some note

Actually, Now FM in Moree would have that title, which launched in May 1990.

[Radiohead]

If we really want to be picky, 4MK launched an FM translator in proper stereo on 91.5 at Airlie Beach in 1985.

I recall someone posted that 2XL had FM translators in the Snowy Mountains from the early 1980s.

[hatdj]

NOW FM Moree May 19 1990 & Sun FM Shep Nov 10 1990

Moree wins

[dxer2_2000]

2XL did operate a Thredbo relay on 92.1 which I believe was unlicensed. It operated on very low power. I 1st received it in 1987 atop Mt Delegate. 92.1 was FM mono. I have no idea when it came on air. I’d also heard via the grapevine that 2CP was also on FM but never confirmed that nor did I ever receive it.

[hora27fm]

@Radiohead

If we really want to be picky, 4MK launched an FM translator in proper stereo on 91.5 at Airlie Beach in 1985.

I recall someone posted that 2XL had FM translators in the Snowy Mountains from the early 1980s.

In 1987 7QT was renamed 7XS because an FM translator was installed on Mt Read to serve Rosebery, Zeehan, Tullah, Waratah and Savage River in Tasmania

[Radiohead]

They have two translators I think… 107.1 for Rosebery and 105.1 for Strahan/Zeehan…

7XS doesn’t make sense as a callsign… 7WS would have made more sense and is easier to pronounce.

[Moe]

I personally think 7XS is easier to pronounce than 7WS, I dunno if we have an actual answer as to the meaning, but the X being for ‘across’ to point out that the station covers a wide area of the region, instead of just Queenstown?

[Brianc68]

@Radiohead

They have two translators I think… 107.1 for Rosebery and 105.1 for Strahan/Zeehan…

7XS doesn’t make sense as a callsign… 7WS would have made more sense and is easier to pronounce.

Yeah I think 7XS might be the worst callsign in Australia. 7WS is a bit awkward too. I think the 7 in Tasmania makes it hard to have a catchy callsign. 7LA isn’t too bad though.

[TelevisionAU]

@Brianc68

Yeah I think 7XS might be the worst callsign in Australia

I don’t think it’s bad, although what significance “XS” has is unclear to me.

[Brianc68]

@TelevisionAU

@Brianc68

Yeah I think 7XS might be the worst callsign in Australia

I don’t think it’s bad, although what significance “XS” has is unclear to me.

Yeah it’s probably not that bad, I just find most of the ones with a 7 a bit jarring.

7LA and the old 7EX were probably the best sounding for me

[AustralianAerial]

Can’t see what’s wrong with 7XS personally, I’d rather that than 8HA.

[Radiohead]

7AD and 7HO were okay too.

[TelevisionAU]

@AustralianAerial

Can’t see what’s wrong with 7XS personally, I’d rather that than 8HA

the one that irks me is 4RO

[Brianc68]

@TelevisionAU

@AustralianAerial

Can’t see what’s wrong with 7XS personally, I’d rather that than 8HA

the one that irks me is 4RO

Blasphemy! I love 4RO

[Brianc68]

@AustralianAerial

Can’t see what’s wrong with 7XS personally, I’d rather that than 8HA.

8HA is a clanger

[TelevisionAU]

@Brianc68

Blasphemy! I love 4RO

I think it just bothers me because how is it pronounced?

Is it “fourarr…o” or “four. R. O.” with a hard pause at each letter

[ElCapitanCranky]

Really disappointed no one went with a FU or similar insult in their callsign.

[Moe]

Ideally the folk who run 1WAY in Canberra would start a Victorian station.

[Rob_Melb_AU]

@ElCapitanCranky

Really disappointed no one went with a FU or similar

I always liked the idea of the callsign FN with the tagline of FN Good Music…

[dxer2_2000]

2UE when it originally started was going to be called 2EU for “Electrical utility” but they figured that didn’t roll off the tongue very well & was thus adjusted to 2UE