Just weeks after 3MTR shut down and was replaced by Pacific Star’s MyMP digital signal, the station has finally secured that long sought after power increase. The ACMA has decided to increase the maximum transmitting power from 1225 volts to 2140 volts (equivalent to 5 kilowatts to 8.2 kilowatts) for the station, which is now again known as 3MP.
The station, broadcasting on AM 1377, will also be allowed to change the direction of its radiation pattern, allowing expanded coverage of northern and western Melbourne.
When 3MTR went off air on 2nd March (see our earlier story) the MyMP digital signal was simulcast. Since then the station has gradually been adding announced shifts and paid advertising to the continuous music format, and bringing back the iconic name 3MP.
The confirmation of the power increase comes after a period of public consultation on a proposal, released in November last year, to vary the Melbourne Licence Area Plan.
The changes to the Melbourne LAP are contained in the Variation to Licence Area Plan – Melbourne Radio. The variation also updates the description of the existing commercial and community radio licence areas in the Melbourne LAP so they are defined in terms used in the 2006 census.