96.5 Wave FM
| Company type | Commercial radio station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting, Radio |
| Predecessor | Wollongong Broadcasting Pty Ltd |
| Founded | July 18, 1931 in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia |
| Founder | Wollongong Broadcasting Pty Ltd |
| Fate | Acquired by ARN (Australian Radio Network) |
| Headquarters | Wollongong , Australia |
Area served | Illawarra region, New South Wales, Australia |
Key people | Damien Leith (Breakfast presenter), Jade Tonta (Breakfast presenter), Dean Kesby (Mornings), Matthew Brokenbrough (Workday), Lyndal Rogers (Drive), Ryan Cram (Drive) |
| Products | Radio broadcasting |
| Owner | Australian Radio Network (ARN) |
| Parent | ARN |
96.5 Wave FM (call sign 2UUL) operates as a commercial FM radio broadcaster serving New South Wales' Illawarra area in Australia. Now part of the ARN network following its takeover of Grant Broadcasters, 96.5 Wave FM maintains a strong rivalry with i98 for leading audience share within the Illawarra region.
History
The station commenced operations as 2WL on 18 July 1931, initially owned by Wollongong Broadcasting Pty Ltd. Its studios were located on Edward Street in Wollongong, while the transmission facility was situated at Unanderra. The official inauguration was conducted by J. P. Caddy, who served as president of the Illawarra Chamber of Commerce and Industry at that time.
In November 1980, one of the Windang transmitter towers sustained damage from a tornado, causing a temporary broadcast interruption. After more than six decades on AM frequencies, the station made the switch to FM transmission in July 1992.
July 2021 saw former i98 hosts Lyndal Rogers and Ryan Cram join Wave FM to present a new drive-time program, replacing the nationally broadcast Nova show Kate, Tim & Joel. Later that year, ARN finalized its acquisition of Grant Broadcasters, bringing Wave FM under its corporate umbrella.
Moreover, in September 2021, Damien Leith—winner of Australian Idol and with prior radio experience at Power FM 98.1 in Muswellbrook—became part of Wave FM's breakfast lineup.
Presenters
- Damien Leith, Breakfast
- Jade Tonta, Breakfast
- Dean Kesby, Mornings
- Matthew Brokenbrough, Workday
- Lyndal Rogers, Drive
- Ryan Cram, Drive