ABC North and West SA
| Company type | Public broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Radio broadcasting |
| Founded | March 15, 1932 |
| Headquarters | Port Pirie , Australia |
Area served | North and West South Australia |
| Owner | Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
Number of employees | 10 full-time (plus casual staff) (2021) |
| Website | www |
ABC North and West SA operates as a local radio outlet situated in Port Pirie, South Australia, under the ownership of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. It uses the callsign 5CK and transmits on the AM frequency through high-powered transmitters located near Crystal Brook.
History
The 5CK transmission facility, positioned approximately 5 km from Crystal Brook along Gladstone Road, commenced operations on 15 March 1932 as a relay station for 5CL Adelaide. This marked the fourth regional station established by the Australian Broadcasting Company. Initially, it featured a 6.25/7 kW STC transmitter operating at 635 kHz, ranking among Australia's most powerful broadcast stations alongside 2CO Corowa. The station's frequency was standardized to 640 kHz in 1935 and later modified to 639 kHz in 1978 to align with updated channel spacing standards. The original antenna was replaced in 1962 by a guyed mast standing 190 m tall.
Programming was originally transmitted from Adelaide via landline, primarily simulcasting content from 5CL with occasional local inserts. Beginning in 1937, 5CK shifted to predominantly relaying programs from 5AN, emphasizing sports, current affairs, and entertainment. The introduction of local programming occurred in 1952 after ABC established studios in Port Pirie, initially located in a small facility on Gertrude Road near industrial areas.
During the 1970s, ABC Radio experienced extensive modernization; on 19 October 1970, transmitter operations became automated. To meet increased news production demands and audience growth, ABC invested $1.3 million in new studio facilities at 85 Grey Terrace, which were completed and officially inaugurated in October 1988. Additional technological enhancements in 1989 included installation of satellite dishes for nationwide program distribution and construction of a new broadcasting tower measuring 25 metres.
In recognition of its contribution to regional engagement, the station was awarded for Services to Tourism in 1990 under the leadership of manager Terry Price.
Local Programming
ABC North and West offers four locally produced programs each week:
- North and West Rural Report from 6:15am to 6:30am – hosted by Lucas Forbes
- Breakfast from 6:35am to 10:00am – hosted by Tom Mann
- Mornings from 10:00am to 11:00am – hosted by Angela Smallcombe
- Saturday Breakfast from 6:00am to 9:00am – hosted by Ian Harslett
These shows are also broadcast on ABC Eyre Peninsula when that station is not airing its own content. At all other times, ABC North and West relays ABC Radio Adelaide programming.
Staff
As of the year 2021, ABC North and West maintains a team consisting of ten full-time employees along with several casual staff members.