2GB

2GB
Company type	Commercial radio broadcaster
Industry	Radio broadcasting
Predecessor	Theosophical Broadcasting Station Pty Ltd
Founded	August 1926; 100 years ago
Founder	Theosophical Society Adyar (affiliated)
Headquarters	Sydney, Australia
Area served	Sydney, Australia
Key people	Ray Hadley (presenter)
Products	Radio broadcasting
Owner	Nine Radio
Website	www.2gb.com

2GB is a commercial radio broadcaster based in Sydney, Australia, and is owned by Nine Radio, which also controls 2UE. The station transmits on 873 kHz AM.

In 2024, 2GB commanded a 14% share of Sydney’s overall radio audience, positioning it among the top-rated stations in the city.

History

The origins of 2GB trace back to August 1926 when Theosophical Broadcasting Station Pty Ltd, affiliated with the local chapter of the Theosophical Society Adyar, initiated sporadic transmissions. The callsign pays tribute to Giordano Bruno. George A. Saunders, previously associated with 2BL, served as the inaugural station manager and on-air host in 1927.

By 1933, 2GB distinguished itself as Australia’s pioneer in airing transcription records and possessed the largest collection of such recordings globally. In 1936, Denison Estates Ltd acquired majority control, installing a new board chaired by Hugh Denison and appointing A. E. Bennett as station manager.

During the era known as "The Golden Age of Australian Radio Drama," Denison alongside advisor Frederick Daniell founded the Broadcasting Service Association Players—later known as the Macquarie Players. The station became renowned for serials like Dolly and Dan and Doctor Mac, working with writers including John E. C. Appleton and E. V. Timms, and featuring actors such as Peter Finch and Harry Dearth.

In February 1938, 2GB established the Macquarie Radio Network to rival the Major Network launched by competitor Sydney station 2UE. Among its acclaimed productions was "Calling the Stars," sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive and starring comedians Jack Davey and Roy Rene.

By 1940, 2GB had become the Southern Hemisphere’s leading producer of radio drama. Throughout World War II, it distributed transcription records to Australian Army radio units stationed in Papua New Guinea and across the Pacific region.

In 1955, announcer Ted Harris delivered Australia’s first live ball-by-ball Davis Cup commentary from Forest Hills. Two years later, in 1957, 2GB pioneered hourly news bulletins throughout its broadcast schedule in Australia.

Prior to 1964, Broadcasting Associates Pty Ltd owned a 45% share while John Fairfax held 14%. In that year, Fairfax acquired ATV’s Australian holdings, including this stake. Despite transitioning to commercial ownership, programming from Theosophical Society continued until as late as 1975.

Ray Hadley joined the station from 2UE in 2001.

The original transmitter tower located at Wentworth Point in Homebush Bay—visible from Ryde Bridge—was dismantled in September 2015 due to redevelopment efforts. A replacement tower was constructed at the nearby site used by 2KY’s transmitter.

Following the controversy surrounding Alan Jones's "died of shame" remarks in October 2012, advertising on his program was temporarily halted; although sponsorship resumed later that month, many advertisers chose not to return.

In June 2014, fill-in commentator Michael Smith was terminated after making offensive comments about Muhammad; Program Director David Kidd underlined the importance of respecting religious figures.

Merger

On 1 April 2015, The Macquarie Radio Network combined with Fairfax Radio Network under Fairfax Media. This merger resulted in consolidation of newsrooms from both 2UE and 2GB and led to considerable job reductions. Consequently, the newsroom at 2UE was closed on 9 April 2015.

Callsign and frequency

The digit 2 in the station's callsign represents New South Wales, as this region's postcodes also begin with 2. The letters GB indicate an AM radio station and were selected as a tribute to Italian philosopher Giordano Bruno, who is held in high regard by Theosophists. Initially assigned to 950 kHz, the station's frequency was changed to 870 kHz in 1935, and later adjusted to 873 kHz in 1978 due to a global medium wave frequency reorganization. Additionally, the callsign has connections to Grace Brothers, the department store where the station first transmitted.

Monday to Thursday

Program	Hosts	Schedule
Australia Overnight (Mon-Thurs)	Ugly Phil	12 am – 5:30 am
Ben Fordham Live	Ben Fordham	5:30 am – 9 am
The Mark Levy Morning Show	Mark Levy	9 am – 12 pm
2GB Afternoons	Michael McLaren	12 pm – 3 pm
Sydney Now	Clinton Maynard	3 pm – 6 pm
Wide World of Sports	Adam Hawse	6 pm – 7 pm
Money News	Evan Lucas	7 pm – 8 pm
Nights with John Stanley	John Stanley	8 pm – 12 am

Friday

Program	Hosts	Schedule
Australia Overnight	Ugly Phil	12 am – 5:30 am
Ben Fordham Live	Ben Fordham	5:30 am – 9 am
The Mark Levy Morning Show	Mark Levy	9 am – 12 pm
2GB Afternoons	Michael McLaren	12 pm – 3 pm
Sydney Now	Clinton Maynard	3 pm – 6 pm
Wide World of Sports	Adam Hawse	6 pm – 7 pm
The Continuous Call Team	Various NRL Presenters	7 pm – 11 pm (NRL season)
Nights with John Stanley	John Stanley	7 pm – 11 pm (NRL off-season)
The Mark Levy Morning Show	Mark Levy	11 pm – 12 am

Saturday

Program	Hosts	Schedule
Australia Overnight	Pat Panetta	12 am – 6 am
The Garden Clinic	Sandra Ross Graham Ross	6 am – 8 am
Life and Technology	Charlie Brown	8 am – 9 am
Weekends with Luke Grant	Luke Grant	9 am – 1 pm
'The Continuous Call Team'	'Darryl Brohman Paul Gallen Josh Morris'	'1 pm – 10 pm (NRL season)'
'The Two Murrays'	'Murray Olds Murray Wilton'	'1 pm – 6 pm (NRL off-season)'
'Saturday Nights'	'Simon Owens'	'6 pm – 10 pm'
'The Country Music Countdown'	'Robert Smith'	'10 pm – 12 am'

Sunday

Program	Hosts	Schedule
'Australia Overnight'	'Pat Panetta'	'12 am – 6 am'
'The Garden Clinic'	'Sandra Ross Graham Ross'	'6 am – 8 am'
'The House of Wellness'	'Luke Hines Gerald Quigley Sarah Davidson Zoe Bingley–Pullin Melissa Doyle'	'8 am – 9 am'
'Weekends with Luke Grant'	'Luke Grant'	'9 am – 1 pm'
'The Continuous Call Team'	'Darryl Brohman Mark Riddell Neil Breen'	'1 pm – 6 pm (NRL season)'
'The Two Murrays'	'Murray Olds Murray Wilton'	'1 pm – 6 pm (NRL off-season)'
'Healthy Living'	'Dr. Ross Walker'	'6 pm – 9 pm'
'Sunday Night with Bill Crews'	'Rev. Bill Crews'	'9 pm – 12 am'

Past Hosts

External links

Brief History – transcript featuring Alan Jones discussing the station’s origins
Talkback Radio 2GB 873 AM
Macquarie National News