ABC Radio listeners in Perth can look forward to significantly improved audio quality when ABC Radio Perth, ABC NewsRadio and Radio National make the switch from AM transmission to FM in early 2026.
This follows the outcome of The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) proposal to vary the Perth and Remote Western Australia radio licence area plans.
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said the move to FM would deliver a major boost for audiences: "We are excited by this rare opportunity to improve the quality of the ABC's services to our audiences in Perth.
"We have long been aware of the challenges of AM reception in Perth. With FM, audiences can enjoy richer sound and more reliable broadcasts, ensuring they stay connected to the programs they love.
ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer echoed Mr Marks sentiment: "We are excited by this rare opportunity to fix a long-standing audio quality issue that is unique to the Perth terrain and landscape.
"Perth AM listeners in general, experience some of the worst quality AM audio in the country due to a combination of factors including the city's sandy soil and signal interference from the electric commuter train network.
"These new FM licenses will deliver better quality audio and are significantly less expensive; providing better value to taxpayers as demand for AM declines in capital cities.
"This change reinforces the ABC's ongoing commitment to our radio services and our ongoing desire to provide the best quality broadcasts for audiences across the country."
The ABC has also recently increased the coverage and quality of existing FM stations triple j and ABC Classic by upgrading the FM signal on those frequencies. This upgrade has meant many residents of greater Perth and parts of regional WA can access these stations for the first time while improving the audio quality for existing audiences.
Mr Latimer said ABC AM services would continue in regional and remote WA areas where services were not prone to interference and the AM signal covered greater distances.
"ABC AM services in regional and remote areas of Australia remain integral to how the ABC reaches its audience with local and live programming as well as emergency broadcasts.
Mr Latimer confirmed the move to FM in Perth will not have an impact on the ABC's commitment to emergency broadcasting or Parliament broadcasting.
"The ABC is in the fortunate position of having existing high-powered AM transmitters in areas adjacent to Perth to provide Emergency Broadcasting to all areas outside the metropolitan area currently covered by the Perth AM signal.
"And in Perth, NewsRadio will continue to broadcast Federal Parliament on AM as long as required."
The ABC has completed construction work on the FM transmission towers and is now liaising with other broadcasters about changes needed to their FM services, as required by the ACMA.
The ABC will begin the transition to FM services in early 2026, with AM services ceasing shortly after FM broadcasts are fully operational.
Audiences will hear more about this transition in the new year.
