Kalamunda Community Radio (KCR) in the Perth Hills has relocated their broadcast frequency to 88.9 FM after the Australian Communications and Media Authority reshuffled several spectrum slots.
As part of the changes, ABC Radio Perth will shift to KCR’s former channel at 102.5, and both NewsRadio and Radio National are moving from AM to FM as well. Despite the disruption, KCR’s chair, Roger Jennings, believes the move to the lower end of the dial carries benefits.
Being a community station, KCR operates at a lower power and covers only its licensed locality. Jennings explained, “At 102.5 we were sandwiched among many powerful stations, which made us harder to discover.” He added that auto-tuning in cars often skipped past the station, whereas the 88.9 area should be more accessible to listeners using typical car radios.
Hyper-local focus
KCR is entirely run by volunteers and relies on grants and sponsorships. The station delivers a distinctive local service that highlights issues, events, and happenings right in Kalamunda—coverage that larger metropolitan broadcasters don’t typically provide.
Jennings emphasized, “Community radio fills a gap by highlighting Kalamunda-specific events and concerns that you won’t see promoted by commercial stations or even the broader ABC.”
The volunteer team also enjoys creative freedom, allowing presenters to pursue their personal musical tastes and share them with listeners, yielding unique broadcasts.
For instance, Jennings hosts a Sunday evening program dedicated to 20th-century classical music, featuring complete works that aren’t commonly aired. He noted, “I’ve got a large repertoire and aim to showcase popular composers alongside lesser-known pieces that rarely appear on radio.”
Other presenters cover a wide spectrum—from rock and soul to easy listening, Australian content, Americana, classical, and folk—through a roster of about 30 volunteers. Jennings warned that dedication is essential: “You can’t just skip weeks or take holidays, because a program might vanish if there’s no one to run it.” The station relies on volunteers who curate their own music, rather than receiving a supplied library.
From cells to a purpose-built home
KCR’s original studios occupied the Kalamunda Police Station’s cells when it launched in 2000, a setup that offered soundproofing but felt cramped. The team later moved to purpose-built studios at the Gooseberry Hill Community Centre, funded with government support and built by station volunteers.
New frequency, steady audience
The shift to 88.9 FM is already in effect, and KCR hopes to retain its loyal listenership as fans adjust to the new dial position. While formal audience surveys are costly, Jennings notes that their online presence and global internet listeners provide a broad sense of engagement.
Looking ahead, KCR aims to strengthen the transition by consolidating its listener base and expanding the roster of presenters.
Meanwhile, the broader realignment sees ABC Radio Perth moving to 102.5 FM, Radio National to 103.3 FM, and ABC NewsRadio to 104.1 FM, with these changes taking effect from February 23.
