Power FM Nowra

[billybob_chider]

Been listening to Power 94.9 over the weekend. They have not been txing in stereo. Does anyone know the reason for this? I don't mind listening to Power, as they play modern rock tracks not heard on Sydney radio, and a lot of forgotten hits from the '90s. Plus the local feel of the station compared to Sydney and Central Coasters is a winner.

[matt86]

Been listening to Power 94.9 over the weekend. They have not been txing in stereo. Does anyone know the reason for this? I don't mind listening to Power, as they play modern rock tracks not heard on Sydney radio, and a lot of forgotten hits from the '90s. Plus the local feel of the station compared to Sydney and Central Coasters is a winner.

Do you mean to say the reception has not been as strong and you can't get stereo or they arn't sending out a stereo pilot tone at all?

Power FM is run by the same people as 2ST so mono doesnt really come as a surprise

[billybob_chider]

Sorry for not clarifying this point. I receive Power FM in stereo 24/7, so it has to be the tx. Furthermore, the radio seeks onto the mono signal. So its def. the tx.

[Moasaica]

Been listening to Power 94.9 over the weekend. I don't mind listening to Power, as they play modern rock tracks not heard on Sydney radio, and a lot of forgotten hits from the '90s. Plus the local feel of the station compared to Sydney and Central Coasters is a winner.

It's quite interesting that since Triple M took on a Jack FM format, certain stations in regional areas play modern rock tracks. So it's not only some of the older songs that are missing on Sydney radio, it's also some of the newer songs as well!!!

Personally, I can get 94.9 Power FM in Minto most of the time, but it is generally unlistenable in my home radio, moreso than for Wave FM, i98FM, the ABC's Illawarra FM stations (95.7, 97.3 & 98.9) & 2ST on 102.9. I can get it much better on both car radios. The music they play on Power FM is more varied than i98FM IMHO, in which they play music from the 80s to Today, with 50% of it being Rock & the other 50% of it being Pop.

Does anyone remember back in the 90s & early 2000s that Power FM was 'acting' as another Wollongong commercial station, trying to compete with i98FM? Looking on the Wollongong ratings back in 1999, Power FM rated as high as 10.3% AFAIK. In the most recent survey, they rated only 2.5%. I remember that there were quite plenty of Wollongong ads on Power FM a few years ago, as well as ads within the licence area (mostly Nowra & Ulladulla etc.). Nowadays, the ads on Power FM barely has any Wollongong businesses advertised on it, and that Power FM is now concentrating on focusing on its licence area (map), giving up on trying to compete with i98FM in the Wollongong market.

Billybob_chider, do you prefer to listen to Power FM more than i98FM in general? Would you listen to them more than Wave FM when you're in the Wollongong area?

I'm just curious, that's all.

[BlueDusk]

Checked my radio just then, no stereo pilot on 19kHz for Power 94.9, I don't have an explanation for it though.

[mgaleano]

Checked my radio just then, no stereo pilot on 19kHz for Power 94.9, I don't have an explanation for it though.

Must be using the same equipment as 2ST FM

[billybob_chider]

I would def. listen to Power FM over i 98. You are right, back in the 90's, they used to advertise Corrimal and Wollongong businesses, but now its all from Kiama- Ulladulla. I liked "The Bacon Boys" for breakfast in the mid-late 90's. The only time I may consider i 98 is Sunday's 90's retro show, but that's mostly pop crap. Here are some songs that MMM don't play that Power FM does:

"Yellowcard- Lights and Sounds"

"The Vines- Don't listen to the radio"

"Weezer- Beverly Hills"

"Fall out Boy- Sugar we're going down"

All modern rock tracks that MMM doesn't play.

[Moasaica]

I would def. listen to Power FM over i 98.

Same with me. When I was in Wollongong in the past, I have always preferred to listen to Power FM over i98FM, when I wanted modern music. I sense for many years that Power FM plays more rock tracks than i98FM.

You are right, back in the 90's, they used to advertise Corrimal and Wollongong businesses, but now its all from Kiama- Ulladulla.

Power FM still has its Wollongong sales office in the Wave FM building in Warrawong.

The only time I may consider i 98 is Sunday's 90's retro show, but that's mostly pop crap.

Agreed, I'm not a fan of 90s pop music, but I don't mind 90s rock music.

Here are some songs that MMM don't play that Power FM does:

"Yellowcard- Lights and Sounds"

"The Vines- Don't listen to the radio"

"Weezer- Beverly Hills"

"Fall out Boy- Sugar we're going down"

All modern rock tracks that MMM doesn't play.

The closest Sydney commercial radio station to be playing those songs would be Nova.

[billybob_chider]

Power FM is in stereo now.

[Moasaica]

You are right, back in the 90's, they used to advertise Corrimal and Wollongong businesses, but now its all from Kiama- Ulladulla. I liked "The Bacon Boys" for breakfast in the mid-late 90's.

Let's a trip down memory lane on 94.9 Power FM, especially when it was acting as a 3rd commercial radio station for Wollongong (after Wave FM & i98FM), thanks to archive.org.

Back in the late 90s, Power FM was the official station in the Illawarra region for the nationally syndicated Martin/Molloy drive program. On weekends, Power FM took Take 40 Australia, Partyhard, Rick Dees' American Top 40, Ugly Phil's Hot Hits & Pillow Talk with Dr Feelgood. All of those programs can be heard on 2DAY in Sydney at the time.

i98FM, on the other hand, were completely local & didn't take any nationally syndicated programming.

Then in around 2002, i98FM started taking the Hot Hits with Kyle & Jackie O on Friday nights. This was moved to the 6-10pm Saturday night slot in 2003, programmed up against Power FM, who took the Hot Hits at the same time.

During 2002-03, i98FM took Planet Rock on Sunday nights, whilst Power FM took it on Sunday mornings.

By the end of 2003, Power FM dropped the Hot Hits, and Rick Dees' American Top 40 took the 6-10pm Saturday night slot.

By 2004, if its website at the time is any indication, Power FM reduced its focus as Wollongong's 3rd commerical radio station & just concentrated on its own licence area, after the Wollongong radio ratings showed that they were rating below 4% during 2003 & early 2004. At the same year, i98FM started taking Rick Dees' American Top 40 on Sunday nights.

In 2005, i98FM started taking Take 40 on Saturday nights & dropped the Hot Hits. Power FM dropped Rick Dees' version of the American Top 40 in favour of Ryan Seacrest's version (heard in Sydney on 2DAY).

Today, in 2006, there are still program duplication between Power FM & i98FM, even though both stations cover their respective licence areas (Nowra & Wollongong).

* Ministry of Sound is heard on i98FM from 10pm-Midnight Fridays & on Power FM from 10pm-Midnight Saturdays.

* As mentioned above, Take 40 is heard on i98FM from 5pm Saturdays & on Power FM from 12pm Sundays.

[mgaleano]

Let's a trip down memory lane on 94.9 Power FM, especially when it was acting as a 3rd commercial radio station for Wollongong (after Wave FM & i98FM), thanks to archive.org.

Back in the late 90s, Power FM was the official station in the Illawarra region for the nationally syndicated Martin/Molloy drive program. On weekends, Power FM took Take 40 Australia, Partyhard, Rick Dees' American Top 40, Ugly Phil's Hot Hits & Pillow Talk with Dr Feelgood. All of those programs can be heard on 2DAY in Sydney at the time.

i98FM, on the other hand, were completely local & didn't take any nationally syndicated programming.

Then in around 2002, i98FM started taking the Hot Hits with Kyle & Jackie O on Friday nights. This was moved to the 6-10pm Saturday night slot in 2003, programmed up against Power FM, who took the Hot Hits at the same time.

During 2002-03, i98FM took Planet Rock on Sunday nights, whilst Power FM took it on Sunday mornings.

By the end of 2003, Power FM dropped the Hot Hits, and Rick Dees' American Top 40 took the 6-10pm Saturday night slot.

By 2004, if its website at the time is any indication, Power FM reduced its focus as Wollongong's 3rd commerical radio station & just concentrated on its own licence area, after the Wollongong radio ratings showed that they were rating below 4% during 2003 & early 2004. At the same year, i98FM started taking Rick Dees' American Top 40 on Sunday nights.

In 2005, i98FM started taking Take 40 on Saturday nights & dropped the Hot Hits. Power FM dropped Rick Dees' version of the American Top 40 in favour of Ryan Seacrest's version (heard in Sydney on 2DAY).

Today, in 2006, there are still program duplication between Power FM & i98FM, even though both stations cover their respective licence areas (Nowra & Wollongong).

* Ministry of Sound is heard on i98FM from 10pm-Midnight Fridays & on Power FM from 10pm-Midnight Saturdays.

* As mentioned above, Take 40 is heard on i98FM from 5pm Saturdays & on Power FM from 12pm Sundays.

Yes Power FM was doing what "the edge" in sydney is doing today. i98Fm is a lot more clearer than power fm so naturally young people switched. The only difference between "the edge" and Power FM is "the edge" has poor reception in its heart land of its lic. area. Power FM is very clear around its core area. Perhaps the exception is parts of the highlands.

[Moasaica]

This weekend, 94.9 Power FM is doing the "Nothing but the 90s" weekend.

[la_buff]

Let's a trip down memory lane on 94.9 Power FM, especially when it was acting as a 3rd commercial radio station for Wollongong (after Wave FM & i98FM), thanks to archive.org.

Back in the late 90s, Power FM was the official station in the Illawarra region for the nationally syndicated Martin/Molloy drive program. On weekends, Power FM took Take 40 Australia, Partyhard, Rick Dees' American Top 40, Ugly Phil's Hot Hits & Pillow Talk with Dr Feelgood. All of those programs can be heard on 2DAY in Sydney at the time.

i98FM, on the other hand, were completely local & didn't take any nationally syndicated programming.

Then in around 2002, i98FM started taking the Hot Hits with Kyle & Jackie O on Friday nights. This was moved to the 6-10pm Saturday night slot in 2003, programmed up against Power FM, who took the Hot Hits at the same time.

During 2002-03, i98FM took Planet Rock on Sunday nights, whilst Power FM took it on Sunday mornings.

By the end of 2003, Power FM dropped the Hot Hits, and Rick Dees' American Top 40 took the 6-10pm Saturday night slot.

By 2004, if its website at the time is any indication, Power FM reduced its focus as Wollongong's 3rd commerical radio station & just concentrated on its own licence area, after the Wollongong radio ratings showed that they were rating below 4% during 2003 & early 2004. At the same year, i98FM started taking Rick Dees' American Top 40 on Sunday nights.

In 2005, i98FM started taking Take 40 on Saturday nights & dropped the Hot Hits. Power FM dropped Rick Dees' version of the American Top 40 in favour of Ryan Seacrest's version (heard in Sydney on 2DAY).

Today, in 2006, there are still program duplication between Power FM & i98FM, even though both stations cover their respective licence areas (Nowra & Wollongong).

* Ministry of Sound is heard on i98FM from 10pm-Midnight Fridays & on Power FM from 10pm-Midnight Saturdays.

* As mentioned above, Take 40 is heard on i98FM from 5pm Saturdays & on Power FM from 12pm Sundays.

I can't Believe there is still some1 out there who remembers "Party Hard" (mainly for the way that they played current and old hits and remixed version of those hits) i loved that show, along with all the others you mentioned.What i would like to know is where i could possibly get recordings or archives of the show. I really think Loaded is pretty crap and has stuff that is less mainstream, i wish Party Hard was never replaced by Loaded. I think nowadays things have become really more about consumerism and commercialism. I really hate the way that Take 40 is now a complete waste of time to listen to as it is no longer affiliated with The Aria charts, hence the Official Aria Charts nationally syndicated on the Nova fm Network. (rival network from the producers of Take 40) . The Hot hits has stayed very much the same, from the days when Ugly Phil was on, but still, it is nowadays more of a replay of things that happen on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, meaning that they record parts of their morning breakfast program on 2dayfm and add it to The hot hits and pass it as part of the show, the only times that what your hearing is not a recording is when they introduce the show and present the programs. Its a real shame. I must also point out, that alot of the regional radio stations are better than their city counterparts as they play a wider variety, although 2Day Fm is starting to play alot of old 90's hits, which to me stay fresh in my memory to this day. In reflection, i would not regard anything post 1995 as ancient, caus we had the internet then and the internet is what keeps things alive.

Any Hows. I've said what i have had to say, i hope to hear from anyone about my post.

Kind Regards.

Luc

[alanh]

All,

If the signal is too weak the receiver will switch to mono to reduce the hiss. This will also get the receiver to switch of the stereo indicator.

Antennas for Analog FM reception

AlanH

[Moasaica]

Power FM will be celebrating its 15th birthday on-air next week.

To celebrate their birthday during the next week, they'll be playing nothing but 90s music.

According to the ABA, Power FM started broadcasting on 24th October 1991. They were probably the first commercial FM station in the Illawarra region (Wollongong, Shoalhaven & Southern Highlands), as 2WL (Wave FM) & 2OO (i98FM) converted to FM the following year.

[dkint3]

They were probably the first commercial FM station in the Illawarra region (Wollongong, Shoalhaven & Southern Highlands), as 2WL (Wave FM) & 2OO (i98FM) converted to FM the following year.

I do remember reading, in early 1992 before 2WL and 2OO converted to FM, that Power FM was the No. 1 radio station in the Wollongong radio ratings.

Nowadays, Power rates only about 4%, even behind some Sydney stations that can be fortuitously received in that region. Power is only licensed to serve some southern parts of the Wollongong area though.

[Moasaica]

I do remember reading, in early 1992 before 2WL and 2OO converted to FM, that Power FM was the No. 1 radio station in the Wollongong radio ratings.

That was quite hard to believe, that a Nowra station beat the "true locals" (2WL & 2OO) in Wollongong!

Then again, back in early 1992, Power FM was on FM, while 2WL & 2OO were on AM.

For quite many years throughout the 90s & early 2000s, Power FM was a de-facto Wollongong commercial FM station, competing against a similar-formated i98FM. This is evidenced by hearing a number of ads for Wollongong businesses, as well as a billboard at Springhill Road near the Port Kembla steelworks, past the Masters Road intersection, heading north towards Wollongong CBD. The presence of Power FM in the Wollongong market enabled Wave FM (Power's 'half-sister' station) to be more distinctive in their music, compared to their nearest rival, i98FM. Since Power's Wollongong presence was reduced, Wave FM becomes a little bit less distinctive in their music than previously.

Nowadays, Power rates only about 4%, even behind some Sydney stations that can be fortuitously received in that region.

Power FM are now rating even lower than 4%. In the last Wollongong radio ratings, they rated 2.5%, which is equal with 2CH from Sydney, and were rating behind several Sydney stations, including 2GB, 2UE, WS-FM, Triple M & 702 ABC Sydney.

Power is only licensed to serve some southern parts of the Wollongong area though.

Yes, the Kiama local government area.

[RayDio]

Power Fm Nowra is The 3nd Oldest Regional FM Station in Australia under S39.

Before that only the Caps & Newcastle had Commercial FM Radio.

The only 2 Regional Commercial FM stations that are older than Power FM Nowra are NOW FM 98.3 Moree S39 for 2VM #1 & SUN FM (Now Star 96.9) Shepperton Vic #2 Then Power 94.9 Nowra S39 to 2ST