ABC Newcastle
| Company type | Public broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Radio broadcasting |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Founder | Adrian Jose |
| Headquarters | Newcastle , Australia |
Area served | Newcastle and surrounding regions, New South Wales |
| Products | Radio broadcasting |
ABC Newcastle (call sign: 2NC) operates as an Australian radio broadcaster catering to Newcastle and its neighboring regions within the ABC local radio network. Transmitting on 1233 AM, its callsign denotes its New South Wales origin (2) and the city of Newcastle (NC). The station commenced operations in 1930.
History
As the first regional radio station in Australia situated outside a capital city, 2NC was launched by Adrian Jose. Its debut transmission occurred on 19 December 1930, showcasing a performance of the William Tell Overture by the Newcastle Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by an address from then Prime Minister James Fenton. Initial local programming encompassed news updates, market information, and church services, confined to roughly one hour each week. Originally, the station broadcasted on 1245 kHz with a power output of 2 kW and an 85% modulation level, utilizing transmission hardware supplied by Keith Thow from STC. The Beresfield antenna was engineered to cover an area with a 25-mile radius, reaching an audience estimated at around 200,000 individuals.
In 1931, signal interference was reported involving New Zealand’s 2YB station in New Plymouth. Early broadcasts also highlighted performances by local ensembles such as the Newcastle Steel Works Band and the Newcastle Choral Society.
During the early 2000s, ABC Newcastle’s website provided a weekday five-minute television news segment concentrating on Newcastle affairs, produced at ABC NSW studios.
The station’s original studios were situated behind the Old Strand Theatre on Market Street before moving to premises at 24 Wood Street.
Programs
The station’s programming is simultaneously aired on ABC Upper Hunter, which serves the Upper Hunter area.
Sports coverage
In addition to nationally broadcast content from Grandstand, ABC Newcastle alongside ABC Upper Hunter transmits live coverage of Newcastle Knights rugby league and Newcastle Jets football matches.