FM 876 Network

=The Melbourne Low Power FM Services=

Melbourne (like most Australian major cities) is home to many broadcasters forming a diverse network of services heard on 87.6 FM. This said, there is no such thing as the "FM 876 Network".

These services vary according to area, and include:

* Melbourne CBD: Kiss FM 87.6 (also 87.8 from Melbourne west and 87.9 Mornington) (Dance)
* Frankston & Cranbourne: Surf FM 87.6 (Frankston Neighbourhood Radio)
* Moorabbin: Bayside FM 87.6
* Coburg/Melbourne North: Middle East Radio 87.6, 88.0 (Arabic Language)
* Hoppers Crossing (Melbourne Far West): MAC-FM (Macedonian Language)
* Altona (Melbourne Sth West): Middle East Radio (Arabic)
* Tullamarine: Kiss FM (Dance)
* Doncaster/Melbourne central east): Radio Jackie (UK Radio Rebroadcast)
* Scoresby/Knox: Radio Jackie
* Tecoma Vision FM (UCB operated Christian radio)
* Geelong/Geelong Outer South-West : Information Services (relayed/replayed)

Licencing & Regulation

The services operating on the Low Power Open Narrowcasting system are permitted a maximum of 1 Watt transmitter power (1W pY), AND are limited to a signal strength of -43dB at 2km from the nominated site of the transmitter. Additionally the services are required to transmit an omni-directional pattern. "(ref: Australian Communications & Media Authority website)".

The services are further restricted in that they are required to be "limited" in some way, most commonly limited audience appeal. This is achieved through provision of services in languages other than English, Horse Racing, Local Tourist Information services, or time limited services. The limitation provides these services to be acceptable under the requirements of the Narrowcasting class licence regime, as regulated by the Australian Communications & Media Authority.

Broadcasting Services Act (Commonwealth of Australia)

Open narrowcasting services are broadcasting services whose reception is limited in at least one of a number of ways specified in section 18 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992:

* by being targeted to special interest groups;
* by being intended for limited locations (e.g. arenas or business premises);
* by being provided during a limited period or to cover a special event;
* because they provide programs of limited appeal;
* or for some other reason.

"The above information is sourced from the www.acma.gov.au website"