The Australian Communications and Media Authority has decided to allocate two new community radio broadcasting licences to serve areas of Perth, Western Australia. The licences will be allocated to Peedac Pty Ltd to broadcast on 100.9 MHz to the Perth metropolitan area and surrounding districts and Capital Community Radio Inc. to broadcast on 90.5 MHz to Perth City and the inner and middle ring suburbs of Perth.

Peedac’s proposed service will serve Perth’s Indigenous community and those interested in indigenous culture and issues while Capital Community Radio’s proposed service will serve the seniors community.

The licences will be allocated on 22 January 2008 and the new licensees must begin a service within 12 months.

‘Peedac’s proposed service will give the Indigenous community of Perth its own voice,’ said Lyn Maddock, Acting ACMA Chair. ‘There is currently no broadcasting service in Perth catering to the needs of Perth’s Indigenous community, one of the largest in Australia.’

ACMA is of the view that the needs of Perth’s seniors are only partially met by the broadcasting services currently available and that there is an unmet need for a dedicated seniors service.

‘Capital Community Radio’s proposed service will focus on the needs and interests of the growing senior demographic,’ said Ms Maddock. ‘The service will provide a mix of music and information programs of interest to this group.’

‘In considering the mix of services available in Perth and the services proposed by each of the applicants, these two community groups demonstrated the greatest need for their proposed services,’ Ms Maddock added.

There were four applicants for the two licences. Capital Community Radio, Peedac, Phoenix Radio Ltd and Western Sports Media Ltd applied for the 100.9 MHz licence. Capital Community Radio, Phoenix and Western Sports Media also applied for the 90.5 MHz licence. Western Sports Media proposed a service for sporting enthusiasts, country and other music interests. Phoenix Radio proposed a service for the country music/general community.

Source ACMA press release