Start of Racing Radio service in Kalgoorlie-Boulder

30/12/95

Racing and Gaming Minister Max Evans today announced the commencement of new Racing Radio service in Kalgoorlie/Boulder.

Mr Evans said the service - to be broadcast on the FM band at 88.0 - was the culmination of a long campaign by Totalisator Agency Board (TAB) which had begun in March 1994.

"A racing service has been keenly sought in the Kalgoorlie/Boulder region for many years and now the local community will have access to a comprehensive service on all TAB meetings for the first time," he said.

Mr Evans said the TAB had applied to the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) for a total of 30 country transmitters in March 1994, but 15 of them were rejected.

The Kalgoorlie/Boulder application had been rejected because a frequency in the range allocated for the service was not available.

Kalgoorlie TAB board member Alan Young reported that 88.0 FM was not being used and negotiations commenced with the licence holders.  Application for a transfer of the frequency was submitted in November and approval received a week ago.

Mr Evans said Racing Radio was available in the metropolitan area on the AM band on 1206 and was now broadcast in 15 country towns.

Towns receiving the service were Northam, Wagin, Katanning, Moora, Geraldton, Carnarvon, Newman, Tom Price, Port Hedland, Dampier, Karratha, Broome, Derby and Kalgoorlie/Boulder.

Media contact: Mark Thompson 222 9595