4BC
| Company type | Commercial radio station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting, radio |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Founder | John Beals Chandler |
| Headquarters | Cannon Hill, Brisbane , Australia |
Area served | Brisbane, Queensland |
| Products | Talkback radio broadcasting |
| Owner | Nine Entertainment |
| Website | www |
4BC operates as a Brisbane-based radio broadcaster under the ownership of Nine Entertainment. Transmitting on 882 kHz AM, it holds the distinction of being Brisbane's only commercial station dedicated to talkback content. The station's studios are situated in Cannon Hill, while its transmission tower is located in Wynnum West.
On 8 October 2021, 4BC transitioned to the 882 kHz frequency, which was formerly occupied by its sister station 4BH; concurrently, 4BH shifted to 1116 kHz.
History
Founded in 1930 by electrical retailer and future Brisbane Lord Mayor John Beals Chandler, 4BC ranks among Brisbane’s pioneering radio stations. In March 1937, the station was sold for £50,000 to the Australian Broadcasting Company, which assumed control the following month.
The station experienced several ownership transitions before being acquired by Southern Cross Broadcasting (later Fairfax Radio). Initially, its studio was located in the Wintergarden Building on Queen Street; in 1954, operations moved to a repurposed vinegar factory at the corner of Wharf and Adelaide Streets. The original transmitter site at Fig Tree Pocket utilized a two-tower 5 kW directional array. In 1988, studios were relocated to 30 Macrossan Street, introducing a Ku band satellite uplink. By 2004, the station had settled into custom-built facilities at Cannon Hill. Fairfax took ownership in 2007.
In mid-2022, former breakfast hosts from 4KQ—Laurel, Gary, and Mark—joined the weekday breakfast slot at 4BC. After experiencing two years of low audience ratings, they departed in September 2024, with Peter Fegan appointed as the new Breakfast presenter.
Programming
In December 2013, management announced a substantial revamp of on-air presenters for 2014, with most continuing into early 2015. However, following the April 2015 merger between Fairfax Radio Network and Macquarie Radio Network, several shows were immediately cancelled and prominent hosts—including Walter Williams, Loretta Ryan, Ian Skippen, and Patrick Condren—were released.
Prior to April 2015, all programming originated locally from Brisbane, featuring a Queensland-wide morning show. After the merger, local content was largely discontinued except for one afternoon drive program.
Local broadcasts resumed in 2020 when Neil Breen was named Breakfast presenter on May 15. This marked the return of local programming since 2018 and followed Alan Jones’ retirement from 2GB.
Weekdays
- Overnights with Phil O'Neill | 12:00am – 5:30am (Simulcast from 2GB)
- Breakfast with Peter Fegan | 5:30am – 9:00am
- Mornings with Bill McDonald | 9:00am – 12:00pm
- Afternoons with Sofie Formica | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
- 4BC Drive with Gary Hardgrave | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
- 4BC Wide World of Sports with Peter Psaltis | 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Mon–Thu)
- Money News | 7:00pm – 8:00pm (Mon–Thu) (Simulcast Nationally)
- Nights with John Stanley | 8:00pm – 12:00am (Simulcast from 2GB)
Weekends
- Overnights with Pat Panetta | 12:00am – 5:00am (Simulcast from 2GB)
- Step Outside with Paul Burt | 6:00am – 8:00am
- Life & Technology with Charlie Brown | 8:00am – 9:00am (Saturday, Simulcast Nationally)
- The House of Wellness | 8:00am – 9:00am (Sunday, Simulcast Nationally)
- Weekends with Peter Fegan | 9:00am – 1:00pm
- The Continuous Call Team | Saturdays:1:00pm –10:00pm; Sundays (NRL Season Only):1:00pm –7:00pm
- The Two Murrays with Murray Olds & Murray Wilton | Outside NRL season, Simulcast from 2GB |1:00pm –7:00pm
- Saturday Country Music Countdown | Saturdays |10:00pm –12:00am (Simulcast from 2GB)
- Healthy Living with Dr. Ross Walker | Sundays |7:00pm –8:00pm (Simulcast Nationally)
- Sunday Nights with Bill Crews | Sundays |8:00pm –12:00am (Simulcast from 2GB)
Past Hosts
- Spencer Howson, from January 2021 to December 2023
- Ben Davis, served January 2014 through June 2018
- Jamie Dunn, tenure spanning January 2009 to October 2010
- Ian Calder, active January 2009 until October 2010