The Australian Communications and Media Authority will make FM frequency 90.5 MHz available for a new high power open narrowcasting radio service in Perth. At least four broadcast groups, racing radio, two language groups and a country music broadcaster, are likely to bid when the licence is auctioned. A seniors group is currently broadcasting on the frequency.

ACMA Chairman Chris Chapman says radio broadcast spectrum is highly congested in Perth, and there has been significant interest in a new open narrowcasting service:

“After taking into account all the information before it, including the level of demand for an HPON service expressed by four credible groups, the ACMA has decided to make this spectrum available for an HPON radio service in Perth.”

The ACMA will advertise for applications for the HPON licence in Perth shortly, and the highest bidder at auction will be allocated the licence. ACMA has begun to use the term ‘niche’ to describe this kind of service, which is a sensible shift in terminology considering the word narrowcasting is assuming other meanings in the online world.

Open narrowcasting is radio where reception is limited in some way, for example because it is of narrow appeal or directed to a special interest group. Expressions of interest have been received from potential narrowcasters interested in providing racing radio, Greek language, Chinese language and specialist country music formats, however the allocation process would be open to service providers interested in any legitimate narrowcasting format.

This decision is contained in the variation to the Perth radio licence area plan. See the link below to view the LAP.