ACMA is seeking public comment on proposed changes to improve and add radio services in the Darwin and Katherine area. 

The ACMA is proposing to amend the Licence Area Plan – Darwin Radio to:

• formalise the operation of 8PNN Darwin and Katherine and 8HOT and 8MIX Adelaide River
• improve the operation of the Darwin radio broadcasting services 8ABCFM, 8DDD, 8JJJ, 8PNN, 8SBSFM, 8HOT & 8MIX, 8GGG, 8KNB & 8TOP and the Katherine radio broadcasting service 8KTR
• make a frequency available for a new community radio service to be provided in Darwin.

ACMA has received requests from the licensees of the existing Darwin radio broadcasting services 8ABCFM, 8DDD, 8JJJ, 8PNN, 8SBSFM, 8HOT & 8MIX, 8GGG, 8KNB & 8TOP, and the Katherine radio broadcasting service 8KTR.

The licensees have asked the regulatory body to consider varying the Darwin LAP to improve the performance of their services and to make a frequency available for a new community radio broadcasting service, which could be used by Radio Print Handicapped to operate a dedicated radio for the print handicapped radio service for Darwin. 

After considering these requests, ACMA found that the proposed amended operations will improve coverage and reception quality of those services. They also found that making available a new community radio service which could be targeted to a print handicapped audience, will complement existing community radio services and result in a currently underserved segment of the Darwin audience being better covered.

In their explanatory paper released today The ACMA also expressed their awareness that additional amendment to the Darwin LAP was needed to formalise the operation of the existing 8PNN radio services at Darwin and Katherine which commenced operation several years ago. They also acknowledged a need to update the existing technical specifications of most other radio services to reflect those services current approval and operation.

ACMA is required to consult with anybody with an interest in these proposals. Submissions, quoting file reference ACMA2011/1222, are invited in writing by 5 pm, 11 January 2013. The preferred method for the receipt of submissions is by email to [email protected]