3YB FM
| Company type | Radio station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Predecessor | Mobile broadcasting service (1931–1935) |
| Founded | 1931 |
| Founder | Vic Dinenny, Jack Young and brother |
| Headquarters | Warrnambool , Australia |
Area served | Victoria, Australia |
| Products | Radio broadcasting (adult contemporary music and talk) |
| Owner | Ace Radio Broadcasters |
| Parent | Ace Radio FM network |
3YB FM is a radio station located in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia, broadcasting on the 94.5 MHz FM frequency. It forms part of the Ace Radio FM network and offers a blend of adult contemporary music alongside talk segments.
The station boasts a distinctive origin, having started as a mobile broadcaster in 1931 before establishing a permanent base in Warrnambool by 1935.
The 1930s: Mobile Broadcasting and Establishment in Warrnambool
Between October 1931 and November 1935, 3YB functioned as a mobile radio station, delivering broadcasts to Victorian regions lacking local radio services. During this period, rural Victoria had sparse radio coverage with only a handful of existing stations. Initially transmitting from a Ford vehicle and truck, the operation later utilized a railway carriage originally constructed for the 1899 Royal Train, showcasing its innovative broadcasting methods.
The station was founded by Vic Dinenny and developed by Jack Young and his brother from Ballarat—an origin reflected in the call sign Young Brothers—operating with a modest power of 25 watts, which restricted its broadcast reach to smaller regional communities.
3YB’s schedule involved relocating to each town for three weeks: the first week dedicated to setup and securing local advertising, followed by two weeks of daily broadcasts from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. To prevent repetition during shows, its music library was divided into fourteen distinct programs. The initial broadcast took place in Creswick in October 1931.
Local personalities from Warrnambool, such as radio innovator Oscar V. Henry and technician Harry S. Fuller, played integral roles from the outset.
As additional rural stations emerged across Victoria, the mobile broadcasting concept became unsustainable. Consequently, Dinenny obtained licences for two stationary stations: one in Warrnambool (maintaining the 3YB call letters) and another named 3UL in Warragul. Although the Warrnambool station was slated to launch in December 1935, transmission tower complications delayed its commencement until January 18, 1936.
Ownership
Shortly after settling in Warrnambool, 3YB became part of the Argus Broadcasting Services network alongside 3UL Warragul and 3SR Shepparton. This rural Victorian radio consortium was managed by The Argus newspaper. Following The Argus closure in January 1957, the network transitioned into the Associated Broadcasting Company, which retained ownership of 3YB until its acquisition by Regional Communications Pty Ltd in 1982. Later, in 1990, two private investors purchased the station before it was acquired by Ace Radio Broadcasters in 1995.
During the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal encouraged regional broadcasters to expand their presence on FM frequencies by launching additional stations or shifting existing ones to FM. In response, on August 14, 2002, 3YB introduced its sister station, 3YFM (95.3 Coast FM). Beginning July 2, 2018, 3YB also commenced transmission on FM.
Studios
The original permanent studio for 3YB was located at Wentworth on Weir Road in Warrnambool. After a fire on April 16, 1945 caused operations to cease for three weeks, broadcasting resumed on May 5 from new premises situated on the first floor of the T & G building at Leibig and Lava Streets. These facilities served as the station’s home until August 1968 when purpose-built studios opened at 95 Timor Street.
Broadcasters
A number of distinguished broadcasters began their professional journeys at 3YB, such as Ron Cadee, Vern Haycroft, Denzil Howson, Rod Kilgour, Mike Menner, Barry Seeber, Rod Spargo, Michael Taft, and Mal Walden. Lois Chislett, a veteran news presenter, has been honored with several Australian Commercial Radio Awards for best news presenter at a regional station, including recognition in 2012.
Move to FM
On 2 July 2018, 882 3YB shifted to the FM spectrum by exchanging frequencies with Vision Australia Radio’s Warrnambool outlet. The station now broadcasts as 94.5 3YBFM.
Weekdays
- 12:00am–5:30am – Australia Overnight
- 5:30am–6:00am – Country Today
- 6:00am–8:30am – The Morning Rush featuring Sean Cullen, Matthew Monk & Niamh McMahon
- 8:30am–12:00pm – Tom Elliott
- 12:00pm–1:00pm – 70's and 80's Lunchbox
- 1:00pm–6:00pm – Dave Drinkell
- 6:00pm–8:00pm – Sportsday
- 8:00pm–12:00am – Nights with Denis Walter
Saturdays
- 12:00am–5:00am – Australia Overnight
- 5:00am–6:00am – Gerard Whateley
- 6:00am–7:00am – Reel Adventures
- 7:00am–8:00am – The Centre Pass
- 8:00am–9:00am – Good, The Bad and the Ugly
- 9:00am–10:00am – The 3YB FM Racing Show
- 10:00am–12:00pm – Off The Bench
- 12:00pm–5:30pm – Hampden League Live
- 5:30pm–12:00am – AFL Nation
Sundays
- 12:00am–6:00am – Better Music and More of It
- 6:00am–9:00am – Sunday Country
- 9:00am–10:00am – Food Bytes
- 10:00am–12:00pm – Classic Hits Countdown
- 12:00pm–11:00pm – AFL Nation
- 11:00pm–12:00am – Great Australian Lives