2XX FM

1XXR
Broadcast areaCanberra RA1 ([1])
FrequencyFM: 98.3 MHz
Branding2XX
Programming
Language(s)mostly English
Formatcommunity radio
Ownership
OwnerCommunity Radio 2XX, Inc.
History
First air date
2 July 1976 (1976-07-02)[1]
Former call signs
2XX (1976–2000)
Former frequencies
1010 kHz (1976–1978)
1008 kHz (1978–2000)
Technical information
ERP32787 watts
HAAT32 m
Transmitter coordinates
35°16′32″S 149°5′52″E / 35.27556°S 149.09778°E / -35.27556; 149.09778
Links
WebsiteOfficial website

2XX FM (call sign: 1XXR) is a community radio station, broadcasting on the FM band in Canberra, Australia.

2XX FM is one of Australia's longest running community broadcasters. It took over the operation of the former Australian National University student radio station in July 1976,[2] broadcasting as 2XX on 1010 kHz AM from two studios at the Drill Hall Gallery in Acton.[3] It was originally scheduled to launch in February 1976,[4] but was delayed indefinitely until July 1976 because of a technical problem.[5] It moved to 1008 kHz AM in 1978. A third studio, completed in 1985, was fitted out as a multitrack recording studio for local bands to make independent recordings and give live-to-air performances.

In 2000 the station moved into converted studios at the Griffin Centre in Civic and changed the broadcast frequency to 98.3 MHz FM. The callsign was changed to 1XXR, but the station still identifies as "2XX" to this day.

In 2005 the station moved into purpose-built premises in the New Griffin Centre in Civic. The premises include office space and three studios. Two are broadcasting studios, one primary and one for back-up. The latter is used, together with the third studio, for editing and pre-recording.

2XX FM hosts specialty music, talk, opinion and ethnic programmes run by well over a hundred individuals and community organisations. The core focus is on the local community through Canberran current affairs and community service programs, local music, and a range of multicultural programs in first languages as well as some in English. It also takes some programming from the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Digital Delivery Network.

References

  1. ^ "Community radio broadcast licenses" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 October 2007. Retrieved 2007-12-24.
  2. ^ "ANU radio extending". The Canberra Times. 21 June 1976. p. 1. Retrieved 28 October 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. ^ "CANBERRA TUNES IN TO RADIO 2XX". Tribune. 11 August 1976. p. 3. Retrieved 28 October 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. ^ "ANU radio to go city-wide". The Canberra Times. 23 January 1976. p. 1. Retrieved 28 October 2023 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. ^ "2XX opening date indefinite". The Canberra Times. 17 February 1976. p. 3. Retrieved 28 October 2023 – via National Library of Australia.