91.1 Hot FM
| Company type | Radio broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Radio broadcasting |
| Founded | October 27, 2003 |
| Headquarters | Maroochydore , Australia |
Area served | Sunshine Coast, Queensland |
| Products | Contemporary hit radio programming |
| Owner | Australian Radio Network |
91.1 Hot FM (call sign 4MCY) operates as a radio broadcaster located in Maroochydore, within Queensland's Sunshine Coast, and is under the ownership of the Australian Radio Network. The station delivers a contemporary hit radio programming format.
History
The station commenced operations on 27 October 2003, marking it as the third community radio outlet on the Sunshine Coast and the 64th station owned by DMG Radio Australia. At its inception, Hot 91 featured a rock-influenced hot adult contemporary style, positioning itself against Mix and Sea FM, which were part of the same ownership group. In 2004, DMG Radio divested an 85% share of Hot 91 to Rob Gamble’s Queensland Media Investments while maintaining its stake in Brisbane’s 97.3 FM. Subsequently, Gamble launched another local station, Zinc 96, in 2006. Both stations were purchased by Prime Media Group in 2007, prompting a relocation of their studios to Maroochydore.
In 2010, regulatory complications arose for Prime Media Group after Lachlan Murdoch joined its board, due to conflicts with radio ownership regulations spanning Brisbane and Nambour markets. This situation resulted in the resignations of Murdoch and Siobhan McKenna from Prime’s board.
Prime divested its radio holdings to Grant Broadcasters in 2013. Under Grant’s management, Hot 91 adopted an entirely local programming schedule in 2020, featuring shows from morning through evening slots. In January 2022, Grant Broadcasters transferred ownership of its radio stations to Here, There & Everywhere, which is the parent company of the Australian Radio Network.
By 2023, Hot 91 had secured the position of the third most popular radio station on the Sunshine Coast based on Xtra Insights audience ratings.