A PLAN 20 years in the making has finally delivered crystal clear AM radio to Portland, but on the FM band.
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Ace Radio’s Hamilton-based AM station 3HA began simulcasting into the city on Wednesday evening using the 92.9 frequency on the FM band.
The AM signal, broadcast from Hamilton’s Mount Baimbridge, has had clarity issues, especially inside buildings, for a number of years. Increased wireless internet networks around the region has further deteriorated the signal quality on the fringe of the broadcast area.
The FM relay is broadcast from Mount Clay and carries the same programming of the AM band, including Fairfax Radio’s Neil Mitchell, who is being heard on the FM band for the first time. Some local programming will be “split” between the AM and FM bands, allowing a Portland focus.
It’s the first time a new commercial FM radio licence in the south-west has been granted since Ace Radio launched Coast FM in Warrnambool in 2003.
3HA/MIXXFM general manager Stephen Jones said the project had been in the planning for a long time but feedback had been positive.
“The new 3HA FM service for Portland, Heywood and the area is testament to the company’s dedication and investment in the community and to quality, local broadcasting,” he said.
