Katherine listeners could soon be able to tune into a new FM radio station.
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The Australian Communications and Media Authority is considering a proposal to see Hot 100 (8HOT) swap from 765AM to FM transmission in Katherine.
8HOT would be transmitted on relay from Darwin.
Katherine residents will be able to comment on the plan.
ACMA chair, Nerida O’Loughlin, said: “FM radio provides improved audio quality for listeners in regional areas and can be more cost-effective to operate than AM radio.
“A number of regional commercial radio stations are seeking to convert their services to FM under an industry-led conversion program.
“The ACMA will facilitate a conversion after taking a number of issues into account. These include availability of suitable spectrum and being satisfied that audiences in regional areas do not lose radio services under that proposal.”
Submissions on the Katherine proposal are due by February 28.
If the ACMA approves the conversion, the timing of the transition would be up to the broadcaster, NSW-based Grant Broadcasters.
Katherine already has a community radio station transmitting locally on the FM band – 8KTR.
You can comment on the planned switch here.
It would mean Katherine listeners would no longer be able to access 8HOT on 765 kHz AM—they will need to tune their radios to 98.1 MHz FM.
The broadcasters plan to relay their Darwin broadcast from an existing tower in Chardon Street.
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