Nine Radio
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Media, Radio broadcasting |
| Predecessor | Macquarie Media Limited |
| Founded | July 1938 |
| Headquarters | North Sydney , Australia |
Area served | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, regional Queensland |
| Owner | Nine Entertainment |
| Website | www |
Nine Radio—previously known as Macquarie Media Limited—is an Australian media enterprise owned by Nine Entertainment, with its headquarters situated in North Sydney. The company manages radio outlets across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and regional areas of Queensland.
History
The organization began in 1938 as the Macquarie Broadcasting Service, adopting the "Macquarie Media" brand following its acquisition by Fairfax Media in 2015.
Origins
Sydney’s prominent commercial radio station 2GB was established in 1926 by Theosophical Broadcasting Station Pty Ltd., affiliated with the Theosophical Society Adyar. Amid the Great Depression in 1936, 2GB joined forces with 2UE to create the Broadcasting Service Association (BSA), aimed at pooling production resources for popular radio dramas and entertainment programs. Leadership of the BSA was shared between Alfred Edward Bennett (representing 2GB) and Cecil Vincent Stevenson (from 2UE).
That same year, Denison Estates Ltd. gained majority control of 2GB, installing a new board chaired by Hugh Denison, while A. E. Bennett remained as station manager.
In February 1937, Bennett organized a conference bringing together commercial radio executives from New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia to develop an interstate network for wider content distribution. Representatives from leading stations such as Brisbane’s 4BC, Melbourne’s 3AW, and Adelaide’s 5DN participated.
Later in 1937, Denison and Butters removed Bennett from his managerial and directorial positions; Harold Gordon Horner of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation was appointed as his replacement.
Macquarie Broadcasting (1938–2015)
The Macquarie Broadcasting Service was founded in July 1938 with initial capital of A£250,000 under the chairmanship of Sir Hugh Denison and executive direction by Frederick Daniell. The network comprised major affiliates including Sydney’s 2GB and 2UE; Melbourne’s 3AW; Brisbane’s 4BH; Adelaide’s 5DN; and Perth’s 6PR among others. Its main offices were based in Sydney and Melbourne.
Expanding into transcription and production, Frederick Daniell managed a global transcription operation involving 2GB and BSA content. The BSA Players evolved into the Macquarie Players, producing programs within studios branded as "Macquarie Productions." The company also invested in theatrical ventures across Australia and New Zealand, as well as Broadcast Enterprises of London. Additionally, it acquired Featuradio, which was restructured into the Australian Record Company under Charles H. Gendle.
Throughout the 1950s, Macquarie Broadcasting alongside 2GB presented the Macquarie Awards recognizing excellence in theatre. Up until the early 1960s, the network was renowned for producing high-caliber variety shows, quizzes, dramas, and serials predominantly created in Sydney studios. One distinguished program during this era was The General Motors Hour. Many of these productions were syndicated nationwide beyond their affiliate stations.
Following television's introduction in 1956—which diminished radio drama audiences—Macquarie redirected its programming towards news, talkback, commentary, and current affairs to maintain listener engagement.
By 1973, Macquarie's affiliate stations spanned major Australian cities including Sydney’s 2GB; Melbourne’s 3AW; Brisbane’s 4BH; Adelaide’s 5DN; and Hobart’s 7HO. Although other commercial networks operated during this time, by the late 1980s Macquarie had emerged as Australia's only national commercial radio network.
In subsequent decades, new competitors such as Southern Cross Austereo's Macquarie Regional RadioWorks (distinct from Macquarie Radio Network) entered the market. By 2007, thirteen networks collectively controlled approximately 80% of Australia's commercial radio stations.
In 2010, Macquarie collaborated with Pacific Star Network to relaunch Melbourne's 3MP as MTR 1377 talk radio; however, financial difficulties led to MTR's closure in March 2012.
On 31 August 2011, Macquarie acquired the Smart Radio Network—including stations like 4VL, Triple C FM, and Hot Country—for $6 million. These stations now operate under Macquarie Regional Radio, a fully owned subsidiary of Macquarie Radio Network.
Macquarie Media (2015–2019)
In December 2014, Macquarie entered into a merger agreement with Fairfax Media, resulting in Fairfax holding a 55% interest in the Macquarie Radio Network, while the remaining 45% stayed with existing Macquarie shareholders. Due to regulatory restrictions limiting ownership to two radio licenses per market, stations 2CH and 4LM were divested. The merger was finalized in March 2015.
Post-merger, there were notable adjustments to programming. In April 2015, 4BC Brisbane reduced its workforce by 18 roles, replacing locally produced shows with networked content sourced from 2GB and 2UE. Sydney’s 2UE terminated its afternoon host and entire newsroom team, transitioning to Macquarie’s national news service. Similarly, Magic 1278 in Melbourne experienced substantial changes to its schedule and production staff.
In October 2015, eight regional stations were sold to Resonate Broadcasting. Shortly thereafter, Magic 882’s content became primarily networked from Melbourne’s Magic 1278. On 10 November 2015, the company adopted the name Macquarie Media Limited.
Following the Fairfax merger in 2018, Nine Entertainment acquired John Singleton’s shares in 2019, increasing its ownership stake to 87%. By October of that year, Nine further expanded its holding beyond 90% by purchasing shares from Mark Carnegie and Alan Jones, allowing compulsory acquisition of remaining shares. In January 2020, Nine announced plans to retire the Macquarie Media brand.
Nine Radio (2020–present)
On 21 January 2020, Nine Radio declared the discontinuation of the Macquarie Sports Radio network, reverting the stations to their original pre-2016 identities—2UE, 4BH, and Magic 1278—featuring a classic hits music format. In April, Steve Jacobs was appointed as breakfast host for these music stations, commencing on 27 April.
News and Talk
| Callsign | Frequency | Location | Launch date | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2GB | 873 AM DAB+ 9B |
Sydney | Template:Launch date and age | News and Talk |
| 3AW | 693 AM DAB+ 9B |
Melbourne | Template:Launch date and age | News and Talk |
| 4BC | 882 AM DAB+ 9B |
Brisbane | Template:Launch date and age | News and Talk |
| 6PR | 882 AM DAB+ 9B |
Perth | Template:Launch date and age | News and Talk |
Music
These stations are operated under a lease arrangement with Ace Radio.
| Station | Frequency | Callsign | Location | Launch date | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2UE | 954 AM DAB+ 9A |
2UE | Sydney | Template:Launch date and age | Oldies |
| Magic 1278 | 1278 AM DAB+ 9B |
3EE | Melbourne | Template:Launch date and age | Oldies |
| 4BH | 1116 AM DAB+ 9B |
4BH | Brisbane | Template:Launch date and age | Oldies |