Radio Dungog expands: Stronger signal and new studios on the horizon Dungog Shire by News Of The Area - Modern Media - December 3, 2024 Nick Holgate up the pole. DUNGOG’S beloved community radio station, Radio Dungog, is gearing up for a transformative period, with a new transmission tower launching in December and professional studios set to open in early 2025. The new 23-metre tower, located near Cooreei Hill, will begin broadcasting on Wednesday, 4 December. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au This long-awaited upgrade will boost Radio Dungog’s signal strength, enabling it to reach the entire Dungog Shire for the first time. “Hills are one of the great challenges for radio broadcasters,” explained Radio Dungog President Nola McDonald. “We love them, but they’ve made reaching everyone tricky. “Now, we’re thrilled to finally achieve full coverage.” The improved transmission is especially vital for emergency broadcasting. Residents in rural areas are encouraged to keep radios and batteries in their emergency kits to access timely news, weather updates and alerts. Adding to the excitement, a tower-mounted camera, funded by Council, offers real-time views of the region. It will assist the Rural Fire Service in spotting fires while streaming breathtaking sunrises and sunsets for locals and visitors. Meanwhile, in January 2025, construction will commence on Radio Dungog’s new state-of-the-art studios at the old Guide Hall in the Dungog Showgrounds. The facility will include both a live broadcast studio and a production space, enabling presenters to prepare and pre-record content. “This is an exciting time for the station,” said Nola. “With our new aerial and studios, we’re offering more opportunities for locals to get involved as presenters, producers, and editors. “The station is a fabulous community asset, and we’d love to see more people join our team.” By Shannon BENTON Dungog Shire councillor Liam Ley and broadcast engineer Brock Martens fitting out the equipment hut. Councillor Liam Ley and Rob Burdon from Radio Dungog. Committee member Dan Lyons and Deputy Mayor Alexandria Carruthers out front of the old Guide Hall, soon to be Radio Dungog headquarters