Media Release

Thursday, 27 September 2001

Australia's first community radio station, 5UV Radio Adelaide, is Adelaide's newest FM radio station.

From 6am on Monday October 1, 5UV Radio Adelaide will be heard on 101.5FM. The station will simulcast on its current frequency of 531AM for three months, before the AM signal is switched off for good at the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve.

The new signal on 101.5FM will mean the station's programs will be heard in stereo for the first time, and clearer reception all over the Metropolitan area. While FM broadcasts will start at 2 kilowatts of power, the station is re-equipping its transmission gear to go to 20 kilowatts as soon as possible. This will put Radio Adelaide on a 'power par' with the large commercial stations for the first time.

Station Manager Deborah Welch says: "It's all about choice for listeners - real choice. With our diverse mix of music, local currents affairs, focus on arts and culture and the involvement of many of Adelaide's unique communities, we provide a really different kind of radio."

The Monday switch-on will start with a Kaurna Welcome to the airwaves. Then through October and November tune in for a host of special programs, including a live feature broadcast from the Glenelg Jazz Festival in late October, which will also go via satellite to over 50 community radio stations nationally.

From its beginnings as Adelaide University's Radio Station, 5UV Radio Adelaide has set a standard for quality and diversity in programming and training. Over 500 volunteers produce and present the station's programs, supported by a small core staff. Winner of innumerable national and several international awards, 5UV Radio Adelaide offers volunteers a supportive and well-equipped training environment to learn new, and build on previous, skills.

5UV Radio Adelaide is thrilled to make this announcement and invites you to tune in to 101.5FM from 6am Monday October 1 and experience the independent, original and creative sound of your community radio station.