ABC Kimberley
| Company type | Public broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Radio broadcasting |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Broome , Australia |
Area served | Kimberley region, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island |
| Products | Radio broadcasting |
| Owner | Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
ABC Kimberley operates as an ABC Local Radio outlet situated in Broome, Western Australia, delivering broadcasts throughout the Kimberley area, which encompasses Kununurra, Halls Creek, Derby, and Fitzroy Crossing. Additionally, it reaches the Australian External Territories of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island. The station is under the ownership of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The station's designated callsign is 6BE, transmitting on the AM frequency of 675 kHz.
History
Prior to 1986, ABC had no broadcast presence in northwest Western Australia until the introduction of 6KP Karratha. Identifying the absence of service in the Kimberley area, ABC initiated a twelve-month trial station based in Broome.
The station officially commenced operations on 26 January 1990 with George Manning as its sole broadcaster from a modest studio located at 14 Napier Terrace, Broome. Following its success, ABC Kimberley was established permanently in 1991. In 1994, Desiree Sutherland joined as host of Kimberley Mornings after completing an ABC cadetship program. Over subsequent years, personnel numbers grew and ABC Kimberley played a role in fostering Aboriginal community radio stations throughout the region.
In 1997, a branch office was opened in Kununurra at 14 Sandalwood Street, initially staffed by Greg Hayes and later by Matt Brann starting in 2007. The Broome facility faced operational difficulties during cyclone coverage due to leaks affecting the building’s structure.
Plans for new studios in both Broome and Kununurra were developed by the late 2000s. The Sandalwood Street location was vacated in 2010. By 2011, ABC Kimberley had moved into updated premises at 23 Hammersley Street, Broome, and 114b Coolibah Drive, Kununurra.