What's New July 17, 2023

88.9FM Tamworth celebrates 40 years of broadcasting

Community station 88.9FM Tamworth, formerly 2YOU FM, celebrated 40 years of broadcasting on Sunday.

Marking the occasion as one of the Tamworth region’s oldest community radio stations, a gathering was held with the station’s board, management, staff and volunteers.

Following intricate licensing agreements, Tamworth Broadcasting Society commenced on July 16 1983, from a small studio with a microphone, turntable, mixer, six slider panel and cassette recorder.

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The studio was in an old laundry room on Marius Street in Tamworth’s CBD.

The walls of the studio were lined with egg cartons for sound insulation and it broadcasted on 500 watts, 5 kilometers east of the centre of town.

Over the 40 years, 88.9FM/96.3FM Tamworth has grown to be one of NSW’s largest regional community stations.

88.9FM Tamworth CEO George Frame told Radio Today how grateful he is for the help that has grown the station and supported the community through tough times.

“As CEO, we are proud of our dedicated staff and volunteers for community coverage from flood, bush fire and emergency services as the station broadcasts locally 7 days a week,” Frame said.

“During one of the worst droughts in history, the station organised – with the Salvation Army and Tamworth Regional Council – over $1.6 million of food parcels and monies for farmers in the region.”

In recent years the station has expanded, extending coverage across the Liverpool Plains on 96.3FM in 2020 and also establishing a daily regional news service with Nine National News.

While many of the original committee members who helped build 88.9 have passed on, they were remembered at the 40-year celebrations by those who carry the torch.

In an Instagram post, 88.9FM Tamworth thanked listeners, telling them to stay tuned for more.

“We’re so grateful for all of you who have been with us on this incredible journey, and we can’t wait to share what’s in store for the future.”

“From our humble beginnings, 88.9fm has come a long way, achieving some historic milestones along the way. And we’re not stopping now! We’re excited to bring you even more music, more fun, and more new sound!”