An iconic era in Perth's broadcasting history is coming to a close, and it’s leaving many with a mix of nostalgia and excitement. The ABC’s move from AM to FM signals isn’t just a technical shift—it’s the end of a 94-year legacy for the Hamersley transmitter, a towering landmark that has defined Perth’s northern skyline for generations. But here’s where it gets emotional: for Trevor Kelly, a former radio technician who began his career with the ABC in 1959, this transmitter holds more than just historical value. It’s a symbol of a bygone era when climbing its mast meant risking electrocution—a thrilling yet perilous rite of passage for trainees like him.
Trevor recalls his first encounter with the Hamersley transmitter, then operated by the Postmaster General (PMG), which handled the ABC’s technical broadcasting needs. ‘We were taken out to 6WF, Hamersley—out in the sticks—and shown the transmitters,’ he said. Built in 1932, the mast was more than just a piece of equipment; it was a challenge. ‘They asked us, ‘Would you like to climb it?’ And of course, we said yes.’ But the thrill came with a warning: ‘Just be very careful when you get on. Jump on, don’t touch the ground and the mast at the same time, or you’ll be electrified.’ Eleven trainees made it to the top, feeling the electric zip with every step. ‘It was a memorable day,’ Trevor reflects, though such risks are long behind us.
And this is the part most people miss: while the Hamersley transmitter’s AM days are ending, its legacy lives on in the stories of those who worked there. But the shift to FM isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a strategic move to stay relevant. Starting February 23, ABC Radio Perth, NewsRadio, and Radio National will broadcast on FM frequencies, promising clearer sound and wider reach. Radio futurologist James Cridland explains, ‘It’s crucial that the primary emergency broadcaster is accessible to as many people as possible, and for most, that’s FM.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: Perth is the first Australian capital city to fully embrace FM, aligning with global trends where AM is becoming obsolete. ‘In Europe, most major broadcasters have abandoned AM,’ Cridland notes. ‘Even Japan is phasing it out, and the U.S. is following suit.’ Yet, AM still holds value in regional Australia, where its long reach and resilience to interference make it indispensable. So, is FM the future, or are we losing something vital in the shift? Let’s discuss in the comments.
For BAI Communications area manager Tim Gray, who’s spent 40 years in ABC broadcasting, the transition means preparing a new FM mast at Bickley in the Perth Hills. ‘It’s been a significant project, upgrading the antenna and combiner systems to integrate all new frequencies,’ he says. ‘The team’s hard work is about to pay off.’ Yet, even Gray admits there’s a tinge of sadness in leaving Hamersley behind. ‘That tower has been part of Perth’s skyline—a symbol of ABC Radio Perth AM.’
One wrinkle remains: due to legislation requiring NewsRadio to broadcast parliamentary sessions on AM, the station will simulcast on both bands until the law changes. Cridland points out that while AM serves regional areas well, FM makes more sense in cities. ‘We live in suburbs, commute in cars—FM is what people can actually pick up,’ he explains. ‘The ABC should consider this shift in all capital cities.’
From February 23, tune in to ABC Radio Perth on 102.5 FM, Radio National on 103.3 FM, and ABC NewsRadio on 104.1 FM. It’s the end of an era, but also the start of a new chapter. What do you think? Is the move to FM a step forward, or are we losing a piece of history? Share your thoughts below!
