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94.1FM - is a very dedicated Gold Coast Community Radio station primarily covering from south Brisbane to Nth NSW. Unique in its music programming. Catering to a discerning and mature audience which appreciates adult radio...
Australia's leading station in Jazz, Swing, Ballads, Evergreens to modern contemporary music. We are a non-profit radio station that is run by volunteers 
who are passionate about the music and dedicate their time and tireless efforts to make 94.1FM what it is today.
 

HISTORY

94.1FM was initially formed in in 1994 as 'Radio Hope Island', with the purpose of establishing a Community Radio Station at Sanctuary Cove to service the adult community of the Gold Coast and surrounding regions. 

The concept was the brainchild of four local businessmen who were each Directors and founders of the local bank franchise of The Bank of Queensland. The persons concerned were, The late Hon. Paul B. Toose CBE, QC., who agreed to serve as President, Bill Shirley who agreed to act as Vice President and CEO of the venture, Bob Lapthorne who served as inaugral Company Secretary & Treasurer, and Bob Summerton.
 

Before taking steps to raise the necessary venture capital a due diligence study was undertaken to ascertain the need for a station of this kind and the format which would be best suited for the purpose. The study clearly established that the majority of persons in the upper age categories (+50) believed the radio broadcast medium had disenfranchised them as they no longer related to the programs put to air today. They yearned to hear music they grew up with which was seldom played. They wanted to be able to again hear jazz and swing in the style of the 30’s, 40‘s, 50’s, and 60’s.

As government census statistics revealed that people over 50 earned 42% of all after tax income, controlled half the discretionary spending power, and held 77% of the nation’s financial assets, we concluded this was the demographic to receive our attention. Further investigation revealed this population category accounted for 39% of the regional population and was the fastest growth segment. Also noted was the fact the region had the highest percentage of retirees in Australia.

Armed with the foregoing information Radio Hope Island made application to the Australian Broadcasting Authority for a Community Radio Licence formatted to meet the needs of the aging fraternity. A temporary licence to operate for three months per annum on 2000 watts was duly granted in September ’94 as which time it was expected that the organisation would qualify for permanent licence consideration approximately twelve months later.

Having secured the licence, albeit temporary, $150,000 of public funding was sought to meet the on going capital and operating costs of the project. Such support was readily forthcoming from 30 individuals each pledging $5000 to the cause. The station became an instant success although the frustrations of having to vacate the airwaves for three months in every four made life exceedingly difficult. Later the Broadcasting Authority increased the amount of air time to 50/50 on air and off air, and later still insisted we share the frequency with a rock station, a situation which almost bankrupted the company. For seven years the Broadcasting Authority deferred the date for permanent licence consideration, however for the two years prior to award of a permanent operating licence on 1 December 2001, the station was allowed to operate continuously.

The station has been an unmitigated success even though it has been restricted to low power operations. Now, with a permanent licence to hand we are permitted to increase power from 2000 to 5000 watts although this called for a further investment in equipment of approximately $400,000. Finally the new transmitter was installed in the second half of 2002 and emitted a mixed polarity digital/stereo signal from its new transmission and antenna site atop Mt.Tamborine. Once the new equipment was commissioned and the existing studio facilities revamped listeners are now treated to the finest quality broadcasts of music of the jazz and swing genre to be heard anywhere in the world.