After thirteen years, commercial radio has returned ‘live’ to the North-West Coast with 7BU-7AD-7SD Classic Hits Tasmania commencing broadcasting operations from the new state-of-the-art Tasmanian Broadcasters Devonport studios. SEAFM Northern Tasmania will open the microphones for the first time on Thursday.

Simultaneously, Tasmanian Broadcasters and SEAFM Northern Tasmania are launching two new StreetStar teams based in Burnie and Devonport to provide local communities with the opportunity to integrate with on-air programming.

At the opening of the new studios, Tasmanian Broadcasters Executive General Manager, Tim Holder said,” Grant Broadcasters continues to invest in Tasmanian Broadcasters since acquiring a number of radio licenses in recent years. The dismantling of the Launceston hub built by previous owners (in which programming for seven of the nine stations was previously housed) will ensure Tasmanians will receive relevant and exciting content in their local markets for years to come.

“It’s encouraging to see such a vital part of our strategic development coming online prior to the launch of our new commcial FM radio station in Launceston early next year. In 2011 Tasmanian Broadcasters will be operating ten stations across the state of Tasmania out of five regionalised locations, making us one of the most integral local networks in Australia,” said Mr Holder. 

Northern Tasmanian Broadcasters General Manager, Sylvia Sayers, said, “Today is a very exciting day for our teams on the North-West Coast. 7BU-7AD-7SD Classic Hits Tasmania and SEAFM Northern Tasmania are iconic brands that have been part of their local communities for a number of years and it’s fantastic to see programming come home to the North-West Coast.

On behalf of the team, a big thank you to the staff of Tasmanian Broadcasters and Grant Broadcasters that have made this possible – it feels like Christmas has come early this year!” said Mrs Sayers.

Two industry-leading on-air line-ups are in the final stages of development with talent sourced from across Australia and the European markets. 7BU-7AD-7SD Classic Hits Tasmania and SEAFM Northern Tasmania will officially launch their respective programs in early 2011.