An aboriginal station will again be heard on air in Perth after ACMA decided to allocate two new community radio broadcasting licences in that city: one to service Aboriginal programming, and the other for Seniors content.

There is currently no broadcasting service in Perth catering to the needs of Perth’s Indigenous community after the demise of WAAMA’s 6AR in 2006 (see our story from that time, at the link below). So, a licence will be allocated to Aboriginal group Peedac Pty Ltd to broadcast on 100.9 MHz to the Perth metropolitan area and surrounding districts.

Peedac’s proposed service will serve Perth’s Indigenous community and those interested in indigenous culture and issues.

The other licence, Capital Community Radio, will serve the seniors community, broadcasting on 90.5 MHz to Perth City and the inner and middle ring suburbs of Perth.

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, so Capital Community Radio’s proposed service will focus on the needs and interests of the growing senior demographic.

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

ACMA’s Acting chair, Lyn Maddock says: “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.”

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.