89.3 LAFM
| Company type | Radio broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Radio broadcasting |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Headquarters | Launceston , Australia |
Area served | Launceston and neighboring regions |
| Products | Adult contemporary music format radio broadcasting |
| Owner | ARN |
| Parent | ARN |
89.3 LAFM (callsign: 7LAA) is a Tasmanian radio broadcaster in Australia, owned by ARN. Serving Launceston and its neighboring regions, it delivers an adult contemporary music format. Originally launched on 14 December 1930 under the callsign 7LA, the station's studios are located on York Street, sharing facilities with its sister station, 90.1 Chilli FM. Additionally, it provides networked content to 7SD, based in Scottsdale.
History
The station began operations in 1930 as 7LA and has been managed by several entities over the years, including AWA, 3KZ, RG Capital, and Macquarie Regional RadioWorks. In 1978, it adjusted its broadcast frequency from 1100 to 1098 AM due to a nationwide realignment of the AM band.
After television broadcaster ABNT-3 vacated VHF channel 3 in 2002, new FM services became available in Launceston. Subsequently, in 2005, 7LA received approval to transition to the FM band at 89.3 MHz, joining other stations operating on adjacent frequencies. The station rebranded as 89.3 LAFM in 2008 and discontinued its AM transmission by February 2009.
In November 2021, ARN acquired Grant Broadcasters' portfolio, which included LAFM, granting the station access to ARN's iHeartRadio platform across regional areas. The transaction was completed on 4 January 2022. While LAFM is anticipated to align with ARN's Pure Gold Network, it will maintain its existing brand identity.