Midwest Radio Network
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Media, Broadcasting, Digital media |
| Predecessor | Lithgow Broadcasters Pty Ltd |
| Founded | June 7, 1938 |
| Headquarters | Lithgow , Australia |
Area served | Midwest area west of Sydney, Australia; international digital audience |
| Products | Commercial FM and AM radio stations, digital news portals |
Midwest Radio Network is an Australian media enterprise focused on both broadcasting and digital media. Its broadcasting arm operates commercial FM and AM radio stations serving the Midwest area west of Sydney, while its digital division oversees internationally oriented news portals designed in a newspaper format.
Overview
Established on 7 June 1938 under the name Lithgow Broadcasters Pty Ltd, the company was granted its broadcasting license that same year. Originally functioning as a subsidiary of Western Newspapers Pty Ltd, it commenced transmissions in July 1939 with the station 2LT, which was part of the Macquarie Central Western Network.
During the 1970s, ownership of Lithgow Broadcasters transferred to Transcontinental Broadcasting Company Limited, which itself was acquired by Broadcast Investments Pty Limited in 1979. Later that year, control shifted to parties associated with John McEvoy from the Metro Hotels group.
On 21 June 1984, the company adopted the name Midwest Radio Network Pty Ltd and, by 1986, became a significant shareholder in the ASX-listed entity Midwest Radio Limited. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Midwest Radio Limited broadened its portfolio by acquiring regional radio stations in New Zealand and establishing FM broadcasting operations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain.
In 1996, Midwest Radio Network introduced Kiss FM, a new FM station operating alongside 2LT to cover a similar geographic market.
By 2001, following a takeover by Unitel—which owned a collection of regional Australian radio stations in partnership with Rural Press Limited—Midwest Radio Network largely divested from Midwest Radio Limited. The latter was rebranded as Media Corporation Australia Limited, transferring management of radio assets to MCA while Midwest Radio Network concentrated on managing online news platforms.
In March 2006, Media Corporation Australia entered liquidation and appointed Midwest Radio Network to oversee receivership of its radio holdings. Despite efforts to sell these stations, no purchasers were found. Four years later, Midwest Radio Network terminated receivership and regained operational control of its radio properties.
Early days
Following the receipt of its license to operate 2LT in 1938, then known as Lithgow Broadcasters Pty Ltd, there was a proposal for the Professional Radio Employees Institute union to lease and assume ownership of the station—an unprecedented concept in Australia at that time. This initiative did not progress, leading Midwest to develop the station independently by constructing transmission infrastructure and studios at Bowenfels. The initial broadcast schedule was planned for ten hours daily.
Mast collapse
In January 1939, a contract was awarded to install a tubular steel aerial mast initially designed at 218 feet but later extended to 228 feet, with an anticipated six-week completion aiming for an Easter 1939 launch. However, a pulley malfunction caused the mast to collapse and sustain significant damage. Reconstruction required two to three weeks. When contracted installers failed to finalize the work, Lithgow Mayor Bob Fullagar—also Manager of Lithgow State Mine—assumed responsibility and successfully completed the mast installation.
Official inauguration
On 2 July 1939, 2LT was formally inaugurated by J. N. Lawson, the Australian Minister for Customs. He commended Midwest Radio Network for enhancing the variety of Australia's broadcasting landscape. Lawson highlighted that, in contrast to government-operated British stations, Australian broadcasters enjoyed a higher degree of independence, a freedom he equated with the liberty of the press.
Bushfire threat to station
Just six months after its launch, in January 1940, 2LT along with surrounding properties came under threat from bushfires. Fortunately, the station emerged unscathed without sustaining any damage.
Government censorship imposed
On 13 May 1940, the Australian Postmaster-General prohibited 2LT from permitting two representatives of the Western Mining Federation to speak on air due to their "objectionable remarks," including their interpretation of the term "scab." The minister mandated that all future scripts by these speakers and any commentary on industrial issues be submitted for prior approval by his department. Additionally, he initiated a legal examination regarding governmental authority in such censorship matters.
Association with communist concerns
The Postmaster-General linked this broadcasting restriction to fears over communist infiltration within trade unions, categorizing Australians strictly as "loyal" or "disloyal." He called upon the public to report any knowledge of communist or enemy activities either to law enforcement or directly to his office.
Coal mining strike during wartime
This censorship coincided with a nationwide coal miners’ strike near Lithgow that lasted three months during World War II. The strike severely disrupted coal deliveries essential for manufacturing military hardware, including operations at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory. Despite Prime Minister Robert Menzies’ warnings about jeopardizing the war effort, union leaders maintained pressure on miners to continue striking.
Initiation of news services
Beginning in February 1942, the Australian Broadcasting Commission partnered with the Federation of Commercial Broadcasters to offer complimentary news bulletins to 2LT and other regional broadcasters.
Ban on Andrews Sisters records
In December 1943, Desmond Day, then general manager of 2LT, prohibited all forty Andrews Sisters records from airplay. He criticized their music style as low quality, emphasizing "boogie-woogie and hot jazz." Day observed that wartime listeners were typically aged between 35 and 40 years and preferred "melody and good vocalists" over the Andrews Sisters’ repertoire.
Proposal for commercial news relay
In May 1945, 2LT intended to broadcast three daily news segments from Sydney’s 2GB station in collaboration with The Sydney Morning Herald. This initiative aimed to deliver impartial and well-rounded reporting on national and international affairs by utilizing the Herald’s correspondents stationed worldwide, including London, New York, India, China, and various European and Pacific war zones.
Government blocks news service expansion
The Australian Government prevented 2LT and other stations from adopting this new commercial news service to safeguard the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s (ABC) existing free news offerings. Acting Prime Minister Ben Chifley declared that the Postmaster-General would refuse landline connections required for the service. However, some stations such as 2LT could obtain landlines provided they continued broadcasting ABC news content.
Pioneering live boxing broadcast
In February 1946, 2LT collaborated with 25 stations from the Macquarie Network to deliver Australia's most extensive live boxing broadcast connection to that date.
Statewide Food for Britain campaign
Also during February 1946, 2LT took part in a statewide initiative supporting the Food for Britain Fund.
Contaminated potatoes alert
On 1 December 1946, Lithgow Police instructed 2LT to issue a public warning about stolen potatoes from a Portland farm that had been treated with copper sulphate poison. Officials were concerned that those who stole the potatoes might unknowingly distribute the tainted crop.
Threat to Western Newspapers' ownership
In 1948, Western Newspapers, which held the majority stake in Midwest Radio Network, encountered government pressure as factions within the Chifley Cabinet aimed to dismantle newspaper companies’ broadcasting monopolies by redistributing station licenses or nationalizing broadcasting services.
Bloodhound assists in search for missing children
On 1 November 1950, 2LT called for volunteers to help locate two boys missing in Lithgow. The search expanded to include around 500 people and featured a bloodhound previously used in finding an elderly man who had passed away.
Mirror Group compelled to divest UK holdings
By 1952, Midwest Radio Network (then operating as Lithgow Broadcasters Pty Ltd), owner of 2LT, was predominantly owned by Mirror Pictorial Assets, a subsidiary of the UK-based Mirror Newspaper Group. Following Australian legislation enacted in 1952 prohibiting foreign ownership of radio stations, Mirror declared on 23 January 1953 its intention to sell majority shares in nine stations, including 2LT, reducing its Midwest stake to 28.9%.
NSW North Coast flood relief appeal
In February 1954, 2LT partnered with Sydney’s 2GB to collect and distribute clothing for flood victims on the New South Wales north coast after an appeal initiated by Sydney Mayor Pat Hills.
Christmas Day bushfire volunteer call
During intense bushfires near Lithgow on Christmas Day 1956, 2LT broadcast an urgent request for volunteers. This community response was instrumental in bringing several previously uncontrolled fires under control.
John Fairfax acquires significant stake
In 1964, London-based Associated Television divested its interests in six radio and eight television stations, resulting in John Fairfax becoming a major shareholder of Midwest Radio Network, whose primary asset at that time was 2LT.
Formation of new publicly listed company
In 1986, Midwest’s radio holdings were transferred to Midwest Radio Limited, a newly listed public company on the Australian Securities Exchange. Midwest retained part ownership but relinquished operational control to this new entity.
Launch of KISS FM
KISS FM commenced broadcasting operations in 1996.
National Community Project award for 2LT
In 1997, 2LT earned the Single Major Specific Community Project award at the Rawards for its Road Safety Campaign efforts.
Acquisition of public company
Midwest Radio Limited was acquired by Unitel Media Group Limited—previously a listed company holding a 49.9% share in Star Broadcasting Network (operator of River 94.9 and various regional stations)—in a transaction announced on 11 September 2001 and finalized on 18 June 2002. Subsequently, on 30 August 2002, the company was renamed Media Corporation Australia Limited.
Unexpected divestment to Rural Press
In January 2003, Media Corporation Australia divested its interest in the Star Broadcasting Network to its joint venture associate, Rural Press Limited, without revealing the transaction value or providing an explanation.
ACMA suggests modifications to technical parameters
The Australian Communications & Media Authority recommended alterations in January 2008 aimed at enhancing the broadcast reach of the company’s stations within the Blue Mountains area.
Company regains control over broadcast operations
On 3 January 2010, Midwest Radio Network terminated the receivership status of Media Corporation Australia Limited and reinstated management over its broadcasting outlets.
Jennifer Menchin honored with dual ACRA awards
In 2011, Jennifer Menchin of Midwest Radio Network received accolades for Best News Presenter and Best Talk Presenter at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), the premier national recognition event organized by Commercial Radio Australia.
Present-day operations
Currently, Midwest Radio Network primarily operates as a holding and management entity supervising a portfolio of assets.
2LT
Since commencing operations in 1939, 2LT has remained under Midwest Radio Network’s administration, catering to audiences in Lithgow, Bathurst, Oberon, the Central Tablelands, and the Blue Mountains. Originally affiliated with the Macquarie Central Western Network, it delivers a blend of syndicated network content alongside locally produced programs. Notably, presenter Jennifer Menchin secured two ACRA awards in 2011 for excellence in news and talk presentation.
Move FM
Midwest Radio Network introduced an FM broadcasting station in 1996 as a complement to 2LT. Initially transmitting on 95.3 MHz under the brand KISS 95.3, subsequent frequency conflicts necessitated relocations that culminated in a 2011 rebranding to MoveFM on 107.9 MHz.
In 2004, the previous frequency was sold for $106 million through an auction conducted by the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal. Midwest acquired two further FM licenses facilitating expanded transmission via translator stations targeting the Blue Mountains region. However, activation of these translators has been postponed due to ongoing regulatory discussions and infrastructure upgrades at Wentworth Falls transmission site. Full operational status is anticipated by 2018.
Additional interests
The organization also operates a hotel booking website regarded as a minor segment of its overall business and possesses land holdings in Port Macquarie and Geraldton.
Broadcasting
- 2LT AM station broadcasting on 900 kHz, serving Lithgow, New South Wales, Bathurst, New South Wales, and Blue Mountains (New South Wales), Australia
- Move FM station transmitting at 107.9 MHz, covering identical regions
- Planned launch of 99.5 MHz FM translator for the Blue Mountains (New South Wales), west of Sydney (expected 2022–23)
- Planned launch of 101.1 MHz FM translator for the Blue Mountains (New South Wales), west of Sydney (expected 2022–23)
External links
- Australian radio networks
- Australian news websites
- Australian companies established in 1938
- Companies formerly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange
- Internet properties established in 2002
- Publications established in 2002
- Publishing companies established in 1938
- Companies based in Sydney
- Radio stations in New South Wales
- Mass media in New South Wales
- Mass media companies established in 1938