What is the current state of Wollongongâs two commercial stations, as far as playlist goes? To find out, I did an hour log of theirs.
For reference, hereâs one from November last year (reposted onto the new forum in April): Radio Stations - Music Logs
And how theyâre sounding now:
96.5 Wave FM - Wollongong, NSW
"80s to Now" (their secondary positioner is âIllawarraâs #1 station for hitsâ)
Thursday, 22nd December 2016 - 10-11am AEDT
âCloserâ The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
"As Long As You Love Me" Backstreet Boys
"Dark Necessities" Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" Beyonce
"Dancing On My Own (Tiesto Remix)" Callum Scott
"Dumb Things" Paul Kelly & The Coloured Girls
"I Feel It Coming" The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk
"Iâm Not The Only One" Sam Smith
"Setting The World On Fire" Kenny Chesney feat. Pink
"Crazy" Seal
"All My Friends" Snakehips feat. Tinashe
i98FM - Wollongong, NSW
"Feel Good Music Variety"
Thursday, 22nd December 2016 - 10-11am AEDT
âSingle Ladies (Put a Ring on It)â Beyonce
"Say You Wonât Let Go" James Arthur
"Rockabye" Clean Bandit feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie
"Last Christmas" Wham!
âSorryâ Justin Bieber
"Wake Me Up" Jessica Mauboy
"Only Wanna Be With You" Hootie & The Blowfish
"Starboy" The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk
"Big Girls Donât Cry" Fergie
"Into You" Ariana Grande
"Stitches" Shawn Mendes
"I Miss You" Blink 182
As you can see, Wave FM now only plays one 80s track, as well as only two 90s track, at least during that hour, which would imply that the station is moving more & more towards being a Top 40 station, with not much pre-00s music being played. With that in mind, I wouldnât be surprised if Wave will drop 80s music from their playlist in a few years time. Also, you might notice that both Wave & i98 played âSingle Ladiesâ within 15 minutes of each other. Itâs also worth noting that both stations played a song by The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk almost simultaneously, albeit it was two different songs, but stillâŚ
If anything, Wollongong is truly the Top 40 capital of Australia. If youâre not really into that, then the ABC or the Sydney stations (which can be a bit difficult to pick up in parts) are really the only other options in the region.