2MC celebrates 70th birthday

2MC FM is celebrating its 70th birthday today. The station, located in the NSW north coast town of Port Macquarie, was originally known as 2KM and played an important part in Australia’s radio history.

In its 70 year history the station is credited with discovering Slim Dusty in 1942 and promoting many Australian singing artists. Reg Poole penned a tribute song to the station’s contributions to the recording industry called The Ghost of 2KM, when the station changed its name some years ago.

Radio Station 2KM was officially launched and began broadcasting at a Gala Broadway Opening at Kempsey’s Mayfair Theatre from 8pm on Monday September 20, 1937.

According to the report in the Macleay Argus when the station launched:

“Leading Citizens of the District broadcasted Goodwill Messages from the Foyer before the commencement of the performance… The event was dubbed The Greatest and Most Spectacular Night of Pre-eminent Entertainment in the History of Kempsey.”

The evening featured a screening of ‘The Land Without Music’ starring tenor Richard Tauber and the modern musical genius of Oscar Straus.

The station celebrated its birthday in style this week, with cake and fond memories from staff and listeners. Drive announcer and Promotions Coordinator Nik James has told radioinfo:

6 of our current staff members have a combined total of more than 110 years with the station. This includes Head Technician Darrel Woolnough who has racked up 30 years on his own, Tea Lady June Bruce, News Director Nick O’Callaghan (son of 2UE’s Gary O’Callaghan), Sales Rep/Promotions Manager Maureen Moore, Breakfast Announcer Mark Strachan and Production Wiz Sean Hall.

Our longest running continuous client is Webber’s Retravision in Macksville (originally known as Poole’s) who has advertised with the station since 1972, 35 consecutive years, exactly half our broadcast life.

Naturally, there have been a few logo changes during this time but 70 Years On and we’re still going Strong!

As part of our 70th Birthday Celebrations 2MC FM is offering listeners the chance to win $250,000! In our current promotion “Bags of Money!” Over the next few weeks 2MC FM listeners are encouraged make a purchase at a participating store where they see the poster (anywhere from the Camden Haven through to the Nambucca) fill out an entry form and who knows we could be drawing out their name to have a crack at winning the cash and possibly become a Quarter-of-a-Millionaire!


History

The station opened in 1937 and broadcast from the heart of the NSW Mid-North Coast between Coffs Harbour and Taree.

It was originally known as 2KM and based in Kempsey until 1980 and then with the move to Port came the name change to 2MC (Mid Coast).

On Australia Day in the year 2000 2MC switched from 531 on the AM dial to 100.7 and 106.7 2MCFM. It has a specific southern frequency which covers the area from Port Macquarie to Taree and another frequency covers the northern region the area from Kempsey to Coffs Harbour.

In 2005 the station also began broadcasting on a third FM frequency (90.3) to cater for its audience in Camden Haven, south of Port Macquarie.

2MC is currently owned by Macquarie Regional RadioWorks.

Photos (by Nik James) show:

2MCFM Breakfast Team – Mark Strachan & June Bruce (the Tea Lady)

Longest serving employees: Nick O’Callaghan, Mark Strachan, June the Tea Lady, Sean Hall, Maureen Moore & Darrel Woolnough.

Staff Photo: Brendon Noel, Lisa Hall, Nick O’Callaghan, Mark Strachan, June the Tea Lady, Maureen Moore, Hayley Cook, Sean Hall, Nik James & Darrel Woolnough.