2EC

Infobox Radio station
name = 2EC


city = Bega, Batemans Bay
area = New South Wales south coast
branding =
slogan = Playing Your Favourites
frequency = 765 kHz
repeater = 1584 kHz, 105.5 mHz, 105.9 mHz
airdate = 30th September 1937
share =
share as of =
share source =
format = Adult Contemporary
power =
erp = Various
haat =
class = Commercial
facility_id =
coordinates =
callsign_meaning = East Coast radio
former_callsigns = 2BE
affiliations = 2UE, 2GB, 3AW
owner = East Coast Radio Pty. Ltd
licensee = East Coast Radio Pty. Ltd
sister_stations = Power FM NSW South Coast
webcast =
website = http://www.2ec.com.au/

2EC is a radio station broadcasting to the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia, specifically the local government areas of Eurobodalla and Bega Valley. It is owned by East Coast Radio Pty. Ltd, which is a subsidiary of Grant Broadcasters.

History

The station was the first to broadcast in its area, commencing on the 30th of September 1937 with the call sign "2BE" on the frequency 760 kHz which was later changed to 765 kHz under realignment. The transmitter is located near Tathra, east of Bega, and could cover from Eden to Ulladulla due to its coastal location. The same transmitter is still in use today, and can be heard from Northern Tasmania to Newcastle, New South Wales in the daytime, with greater distances achieved at night.

On the 28th of October 1983, a translator for the town of Narooma commenced on 1584 kHz. Reflecting new ownership, the station adopted its present 2EC call sign on the 1st of October 1987. To better cover the Eurobodalla region, including the towns of Batemans Bay and Moruya, a new transmitter on 105.9 MHz was installed on Mt. Wandera in 1992 and commenced broadcasting in December of that year.

2007 marked the 70th year of broadcasting for the station, and frequent promotions were held throughout the year to celebrate this achievement.

Frequencies

*765 AM- Bega Valley and surrounds. Can be heard throughout most of the coverage area, and along the coastline for great distances. Transmitter is located at Kalaru.
*1584 AM- Narooma town and immediate surrounds. Because of the low power used by this translator, it can only be heard around 30 km distant. Transmitter is located just outside Narooma.
*105.5 FM- Eden and surrounds. Transmitting 1 kW from Bimmil Hill near Eden, the translator covers Merimbula, Eden and Mallacoota (VIC) adequately. In exceptional atmospheric conditions, this transmitter can cover much of the 2EC license area, and has been heard as far north as Sydney.
*105.9 FM- Eurobodalla local government area, plus some towns in the southern Shoalhaven such as Bawley Point and Lake Tabourie. Transmits at 20 kW (directional pattern) from Mt. Wandera west of Moruya. In good atmospheric conditions, the transmitter can be heard in the Bega Valley region, as well as north to the Shoalhaven and Illawarra. The transmission has been heard as far north as Buladelah on the NSW north coast.

Programming

The station airs an Adult Contemporary/Talk format, playing music from the 60s to today. In contrast to many radio stations in regional Australia, 2EC airs very little networked programming. A focus on the community is evident, with segments such as 'Lost and Found', 'Pet Petrol', 'Jobfile' and 'Community Contact' featuring throughout the day. Discussions about local events and issues are held regularly, and local news is heard most hours. The station is automated overnight (6 PM to 6 AM).

On Air Lineup (Weekdays)

*Kimmi Saker- 6 AM to 9 AM
*Steve Price- 9 AM to 10 AM
*Pete Diskon- 10 AM to 12 noon
*Networked News/National Rural News/Local News- 12 noon to 12:30 PM
*Pete Diskon- 12:30 PM to 1 PM
*Adam- 1 PM to 3 PM
*Rob- 3 PM to 6 PM

Weekend programming includes the 2EC Fishing Show, Real Estate Show and the 2EC Sports Show. Networked music programs 'Cover To Cover' and 'Planet Rock Evolution' are heard Sunday morning. The station is unique in NSW in that it takes both NRL and AFL coverage, possibly owing to its position near the Victorian border. AFL is heard Friday nights and Saturdays (via 3AW), whilst NRL is covered Sunday afternoons (via 2GB).

Affiliations

* 2UE Sydney (networked news and Steve Price morning show)
* 3AW Melbourne (AFL coverage)
* 2GB Sydney (NRL coverage)

Power FM South Coast is a sister station, playing contemporary hit music.

References

* [http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_91653 New and improved radio services in the Bega region – Press release from The Australian Broadcasting Authority – 7 August 2004]
* [http://www.2ec.com.au/ 2EC Website]
* [http://www.2ec.com.au/default2.htm East Coast Radio]