Newy 87.8 FM
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| Broadcast area | Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Central Coast |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 87.8 MHz FM (2014–present) Optus D2 Satellite (2022–2023) Intelsat 19 Satellite (2022–2023) |
| Branding | Newy 87.8 FM |
| Programming | |
| Language(s) | English |
| Format | Classic Hits |
| History | |
First air date | 20 April 2014 |
Former call signs | Classic Hits FM (2014–2020) Hunter TV (2014–2020) |
| Links | |
| Website | Official website |
Newy 87.8 FM (call sign: 2NN) is a narrowcast FM radio station targeting Classic Hits music enthusiasts across Newcastle and the Central Coast, Australia on a frequency of 87.8 MHz. The station plays 1950s to 1980s music. The station also produces online video content covering local events.
The station's playout facility is at 1A McIntosh Drive, Mayfield West with remote studios located in Beaumont Street. Hamilton, Newcastle West, Elermore Vale, Tamworth and Penrith. The station transmits from a number of FM transmitters across Newcastle and the Central Coast.
History[edit]
2NN Classic Hits FM was founded by Craig Allen[1] and first went to air in 2014. It was a part of a national network of narrowcast radio stations playing classic hits music. The network included Classic Hits stations in Orange, Wollongong, Mudgee, Mid North Coast, Bowral, Wagga Wagga, Taree and Roma, Queensland.[2] There were other branding variations on the network including Oldies FM and Air FM in Penrith and a shortwave radio station called Ozyradio[3][4]
Hunter TV was formed in 2014 with the intent to gain a community television licence to broadcast on free-to-air digital terrestrial television in Newcastle, with the station going live online on 1 March 2014.[5] However, their initial application for a community television licence from the Australian Communications & Media Authority, and later appeals, were rejected due to uncertainty surrounding the future of community television.[6][7][8] Hunter TV later reinforced their online services, becoming a community-orientated live streaming and video on demand service.
In September 2020 2NN split from the Classic Hits FM network and merged with Hunter TV forming a new station[9] 'Newy 87.8 FM'. The merged entity creates audio content for radio and video content for their video on demand service.
In 2022 coverage was extended to Gosford and the station plans to extend this further south through the North Shore and Northern Beaches of Sydney in 2023.
Stars of Newcastle[edit]
Hunter TV was one of the founding partners who helped launch the Cancer Council's 'Stars of Newcastle' event by promoting and producing video content for the initiative.[10] Hunter TV also provided project management and consulting services to the event organisers. During Hunter TV's tenure, the event raised over $465,000 for the charity.
Current On-Air Schedule[edit]
- 'Drive' with Darren McErlain 4pm to 6pm, 7 days a week[11]
- 'Webby's Wireless Show' incorporates 'On this day' and 'It's a funny old world' which airs at various times throughout the day.
- 'Feel Good Weekends' with Matt Morris, Saturday and Sunday 6pm to 9pm[12][13]
- 'Afternoons' with Paul Rothapfel, 1pm to 4pm weekdays.[14]
- 'Saturday Mornings' with Diana Lampard, 9am to 1pm Saturdays.[15]
References[edit]
- ^ "Craig Allen Tribute". Darren McErlain.
- ^ "Classic Hits FM Website Archive from 8th March 2019". Wayback Machine. Archived from the original on 8 March 2019. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
- ^ "ARDXC member Craig Allen, founder and operator of Ozy Radio has passed away". Australian Radio DX Club. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
- ^ "Australia - Ozy Radio on new 4835 kHz". HF Underground. Ron - Calif. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
- ^ "Happy First Birthday Hunter TV". Hunter TV. 1 March 2015. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
- ^ Rigney, Sam (14 July 2014). "Hunter TV denied a frequency". The Newcastle Herald. Newcastle. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
- ^ "Malcolm Turnbull is considering the future of Community TV". Hunter TV. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
- ^ "Still hope for Hunter TV station". Maitland Mercury. Maitland, NSW. 23 July 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2017.
- ^ "The station will be renamed to Newy 87.8 FM in the coming weeks". Classic Hits FM. Retrieved 23 September 2020.
- ^ "Hunter TV - Stars of Newcastle 2017". 5 June 2017.
- ^ "Drive 4-6 Facebook Page". Darren McErlain.
- ^ "Matt Morris on Newy 87.8FM". Matt Morris.
- ^ "On Air - Broadcasting via Newy 87.8FM". Matt Morris. Retrieved 4 May 2021.
- ^ "Paul Rothapfel 'Live' on NEWY 87.8 FM Facebook Page". Paul Rothapfel.
- ^ "Diana Lampard Saturday Mornings on Newy". Newy 87.8.
External links[edit]