Bold shift, brighter signals: ABC’s move from AM to FM marks a watershed moment for Perth listeners—and it’s about more than just dial positions.
Perth’s three ABC stations—ABC Radio Perth, NewsRadio, and Radio National—will switch from AM to FM on February 23, expanding reach and delivering crisper sound for most listeners. The upgrade is expected to bring clearer broadcasts and easier access, especially for drivers and households alike. As radio consultant James Cridland notes, this change aligns with global trends toward FM in major markets, improving reliability and audience reach for the primary emergency broadcaster.
The transition is also a strategic nod to how people actually listen today. In cars, especially, FM reception is far more consistent, and newer vehicles increasingly omit AM receivers. Cridland highlights that many European and American manufacturers are prioritizing FM, with some regions already phasing out AM for national services. In Australia, Perth becomes the first capital city to move all stations to FM, mirroring these international shifts.
Behind the scenes, the physical switch has been a substantial engineering effort. BAI Communications’ Tim Gray describes a major upgrade: new FM masts in the Perth Hills at Bickley, advanced antenna and combiner systems, and the readiness to bring the services online. While the Hamersley AM transmitter has long been a local landmark—part of Perth’s skyline—the practical operations are shifting to a modern FM infrastructure.
A note on continuity: NewsRadio will continue to broadcast Parliament on AM due to existing legislation, and will run on both bands until the laws change. This ensures parliamentary coverage remains uninterrupted during the transition.
In practical terms, the move is expected to boost audience numbers, improve sound quality, and future-proof ABC’s city services. Yet the change isn’t without its discussions. Some listeners may reminisce about the old AM era or question the necessity of updating the infrastructure. And this is the part where emphasis on in-car listening and urban reception rates can spark debate: should all segments of the audience—regional listeners included—be prioritized in such transitions, or is there a risk of widening the digital divide for those with limited FM access?
For listeners tuning in on February 23, remember: ABC Radio Perth will now be found at 102.5 FM, Radio National at 103.3 FM, and ABC NewsRadio at 104.1 FM. The shift promises clearer signals and broader reach—especially in cars and households across the city.
What’s your take on the AM-to-FM transition in urban areas? Do you think the benefits of better signal clarity and car compatibility outweigh any nostalgia or transitional hiccups? Share your thoughts in the comments.
