Mix 106.3
| Company type | Commercial broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Radio broadcasting |
| Founded | February 27, 1988 |
| Headquarters | Canberra , Australia |
Area served | Canberra and surrounding regions (Yass, Tharwa, Bungendore) |
| Owner | Jointly owned by ARN and Southern Cross Austereo |
| Parent | Southern Cross Austereo (part of Triple M network) |
| Website | mix1063 |
Mix 106.3 (call sign: 1CBR) is a commercial broadcaster based in Canberra, Australia, jointly owned by ARN and Southern Cross Austereo. The station primarily serves listeners aged 35 and over, featuring a playlist that blends contemporary hits with popular tracks from the 1970s through the 1990s, fitting within the adult hits genre. It operates as part of Southern Cross Austereo's Triple M network and is promoted to national advertisers via the KIIS Network.
History
The station commenced operations on 27 February 1988 under the name KIX 106, alongside its sister station FM104.7 (currently known as Hit 104.7). These were Australia's pioneering supplementary FM licences and marked the first new commercial FM stations introduced since 1980. KIX 106 was linked as a supplementary licence to AM station 2CC, while FM104 was associated with 2CA. Initially, KIX 106 targeted a youthful audience with energetic music programming and used an eagle mascot for branding.
By 1994, after consistently placing fifth in audience ratings, Capital City Broadcasters rebranded KIX 106 as '106.3 Canberra FM' and transitioned to a softer adult contemporary format inspired by Melbourne’s TTFM, aiming to attract an older demographic.
In March 1997, due to reduced advertising revenue following cuts in Commonwealth public sector spending, ARN (owners of Mix 106.3 and 2CC) partnered with Austereo (owners of 104.7 and 2CA) to establish Canberra FM Pty Ltd, consolidating ownership of both FM stations. The AM stations were later divested and are now managed through a joint venture between Capital Radio Network and Grant Broadcasters.
In January 2020, Mix 106.3 unveiled a refreshed logo aligning its visual identity with the KIIS Network. Notably, prominent on-air hosts Bronte and Wilko retired in September 2022.
As of July 2023, Mix 106.3 commands a dominant position in Canberra’s radio landscape, holding a market share of 25.7%, indicative of its strong listener base.
Current lineup
- Kristen & Nige – Weekday mornings, 6–9 am
- Nige106.3 – Weekday mid-mornings, 9–10 am
- Workdays with Pat – Weekdays, 10 am–12 pm
- Larry – Weekday afternoons, 1–6 pm
- Kristen and Nige's Hour of Power – Weekdays, 6–7 pm
- The Christian O'Connell Show – Weekdays, 7–8 pm
- Jonesy & Amanda – Weekdays, 8–9 pm
- The Super Serious Sports Show – Mondays & Thursdays, 9–10 pm
- The Cam and Renee Show – Saturdays, 8–9 am
- The Real Estate Show – Saturdays, 9–10 am
- Life Uncut Radio Show – Saturdays, 10 am–12 pm
- Raiders on Mix – Live broadcasts of Canberra Raiders NRL games
News
Mix 106.3 maintains an active newsroom shared with sister station Hit 104.7, providing continuous news coverage seven days a week that encompasses local Canberra developments as well as international stories.
News Team
- Lewis Haskew (News Director)
- Kate Rice
- Renee Bogatko
- Samantha Rose
Studios
Both Mix 106.3 and Hit 104.7 operate from their shared studio facility located on Bellenden Street in Crace. Their broadcast footprint covers Canberra along with adjacent regions including Yass (approximately 55 km to the north), Tharwa (around 30 km south), and Bungendore (roughly 40 km east).
Sponsored events
The station is a key sponsor of the annual The Christmas Party held at Exhibition Park in Canberra. In addition, for the year 2024, it partnered with Hit 104.7 to co-sponsor the Skyfire fireworks display, highlighting its commitment to community involvement and enhancing its visibility at significant local events.