It appears as if the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has won out against Community Station 94.7 The Pulse in Geelong, Victoria.

The ABC has wanted a ‘ABC Local Radio’ station in Geelong and now the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) appears to agree with a proposal which would see The Pulse kicked off it’s current frequency (which previously occurred in 2001 for Nova 100 to take over 100.3FM). Last time it happened was really a godsend, reinvigorating the station, increasing it’s broadcast area significantly and introducing a better presentation overall.

However this change would see it moved to 91.9FM which would suffer interference with a few Melbourne stations (and Channel Seven Melbourne) and is being reduced from 56kW to only 3KW of broadcast power. A huge blow to the Community. The “local” ABC station would not be local 24/7 with content networked from Melbourne and elsewhere during some time periods. The Pulse is local, it serves it’s community, offers training programs, local talk back, local music and a sense of community. Our only other two major stations are a duopoly and rarely discuss local issues with music dominating, along with a Religious station and low powered Country Music station, The Pulse is our only community voice.

This move would see a true local community station brushed aside for a Nationally run station with only limited local content. This is a sad day for the state of Geelong media.

Please speak out against this proposal. Submissions close 5.00pm on Friday September 19th 2008 AEST. Make sure to include file number “PF2007/2007″ in submission.

Email: aas@acma.org.au

Write:
Draft Variation to Geelong Radio,
ACMA
PO Box 78
Belconnen ACT 2616

Fax: (02) 6219 5437

Please be respectful and courteous in submissions. You can read the full propsal at the ACMA website.