A consortium of not-for-profit broadcasters are promising better reception from today, thanks to a new and higher community radio transmission site at Poppet Hill, next to Kowen Forest.

ArtSoundFM, 1CMS FM, and 1WAY FM will manage the new facility, the culmination of eight years of planning.

The Poppet Hill transmitter site replaces older facilities at Black Mountain Tower. Because it is at a slightly higher elevation and is using new equipment, the new site will deliver a stronger and higher quality signal to many of the 63,000 people who, according to the 2014 McNair Ingenuity Survey, listen to community radio in Canberra.

Project Manager Chris Deacon, from ArtSoundFM, said it was an excellent example of technical collaboration between community broadcasters and that the ACT Government had played a key role by allocating the land at Poppet Hill.

“We also thank Queensland based broadcast transmission supplier N-Com Pty Ltd for its support in establishing the site, which will be exclusively used by non-commercial community radio stations,” Chris said.

“Community radio volunteers, members and listeners have raised funds for the project, which has cost about $500,000 but which is expected to produce longer-term savings for the four stations.

“The Federal Government-supported Community Broadcasting Foundation has contributed to the project, including the cost of new digital links from studios to Poppet Hill.

There have been minimal disruption to services during the switchover, and all stations would continue to broadcast on their current frequencies.

About the three stations

• ArtSound FM is Canberra’s Music and Arts station. It is based at the Manuka Arts Centre and broadcasts on 92.7 and 90.3 in Tuggeranong.
• 1WAY FM is a Christian station in the Canberra region located in Fyshwick. 1WAY FM broadcasts on 91.9 (94.3 in Tuggeranong).
• 1CMS is Canberra’s multicultural service community radio station, based in Holder and broadcasting on 91.1. 1CMS has over 30 different ethnic languages and programs, and continues to attract new emerging communities in Canberra.