Triple M Newcastle
| Company type | Radio station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Broadcasting |
| Predecessor | The Newcastle Broadcasting Company |
| Founded | August 1, 1931 in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia |
| Founder | Allen Fairhall |
| Headquarters | Newcastle , Australia |
Area served | Newcastle and surrounding regions, New South Wales, Australia |
Key people | David Dollin (News Director) |
| Products | Radio broadcasting |
| Owner | Southern Cross Austereo |
Triple M Newcastle (call sign: 2KKO) is an Australian radio station licensed to serve Newcastle, New South Wales and its neighboring regions. Operating at 102.9 megahertz FM, its broadcast originates from studios located in Newcastle and the station is owned by Southern Cross Austereo.
History
The station commenced operations on 1 August 1931 under the call sign 2KO, named after the Newcastle suburb of KOtara. It was founded by Allen Fairhall and operated under The Newcastle Broadcasting Company. Initially, it transmitted on 1415 kHz with a modest power of 25 watts from a home-based studio. Programming began with evening broadcasts before expanding into daytime slots.
In 1933, the AM transmitter was relocated to Sandgate, functioning from multiple sites until 1937 when new studios were established at 110 Hunter Street. The station increased its AM transmission power twice, eventually reaching 5,000 watts using a directional antenna.
Prior to television’s introduction in the late 1950s, peak audience times were around 8pm. With TV’s arrival, 2KO adapted its format to sustain listenership by adopting a Top 40 music format. At that time, it was owned by United Broadcasting Company—also proprietor of Sydney's 2UE—which played a role in launching NBN Television in Newcastle in 1962. This strategic shift rejuvenated the station's audience base.
Following the implementation of the Geneva Frequency Plan of 1975, Australian AM stations adjusted their frequencies; consequently, on 23 November 1978, 2KO shifted from 1410 kHz to 1413 kHz.
In May 1988, operations moved to new premises at 252 Pacific Highway, Charlestown. By 1989 ownership had transferred to Wesgo.
On 12 October 1992, the station transitioned to FM broadcasting as 2KKO, adopting the brand KOFM 102.9. Austereo acquired KOFM’s parent company on 22 January 1996. Subsequently, Austereo divested a half stake to RG Capital, which was later acquired by Macquarie Regional RadioWorks in 2004 after purchasing RG Capital’s portfolio. Full ownership was secured by Southern Cross Media in April 2011.
In June 2017, Triple M Newcastle relocated to contemporary studios at 18 Honeysuckle Drive.
The station underwent rebranding on 9 November 2018, adopting the name Triple M Newcastle.
On air line-up
Monday to Friday
- Tanya & Steve: 6:00am–9:00am
- Jeremy Ryan and/or Sarah Farley Adams: 9:00am–2:00pm
- Lu and Jarch: 2:00pm–4:00pm
- The Rush Hour with Anthony Maroon, Millie Elliot, and Nathan Hindmarsh: 4:00pm–6:00pm
- Tanya & Steve Catchup: 6:00pm–7:00pm
- Nights with Dave Gleeson: 7:00pm–10:00pm
- Triple M Aussie with Matty O: 10:00pm–Midnight
- Triple M NRL coverage (March–October)
Luke Bona's Night Shift Program concluded on Friday, 21 February 2025.
Weekends
- Weekends with Nix
- Triple M NRL coverage (March–October)
- All Newcastle Knights matches featuring commentary from Jim Callinan, Andrew Ryan, Michael Hagan, Marc Glanville, Jeremy Ryan, and Mark Sales
- Triple M Aussie with Matty O: 10:00pm–Midnight (Saturday & Sunday)
News
- News Director: David Dollin
- News Presenters: Dan Flegg and Caitlin Unger
Rugby League coverage
Following Broadcast Operations Group's decision not to air the Continuous Call Team from 2GB Sydney—thereby preventing competitor 2HD from broadcasting Newcastle Knights matches—KOFM acquired both the program and the broadcasting rights for the Knights in 2006. Additionally, KOFM brought on board veteran 2HD commentator Gary Harley, who remained with the station until early 2014. After Triple M Sydney secured NRL broadcast rights, Triple M discontinued airing 2GB's coverage but continues to provide localized content for Knights fixtures.