The ABA has announced plans to grant FM capacity to 2LM Lismore on the NSW far north coast to overcome blackspot problems in the Kyogle area.

This follows a request from Richmond River Broadcasters, amid ongoing reception deficiencies.

The ABA is also proposing FM capacity for the ABC in Lismore for a future national radio service.

The Authority says this is part of a continuing commitment to reserve channel capacity for possible future provision of the full range of ABC radio services to communities or regional transmission areas with 10 000 people or more.

The proposals are contained in the draft variation to the Lismore radio licence area plan, which is open to public comment until Friday 16 April. The draft, with an explanatory paper, is available from the ABA’s website or by calling 1 800 810 241.

Under the three year Commercial Radio Blackspots Program, $5m will deliver new or improved services to regional and remote communities throughout Australia.