3INR-FM

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3INR is a community radio station in Victoria, Australia. It is best known by its broadcast identity as "96.5 Inner FM".

[edit] Profile

96.5 Inner FM broadcasts on a frequency of 96.5 MHz. It's main coverage area is the inner north eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Its format consists of "Easy Listening" music and community programs.

The studios of 96.5 Inner FM are located in the Warringal Shopping Centre in Heidelberg. The transmitter is at the Austin Hospital.

96.5 Inner FM is staffed by volunteers. Volunteers are involved in all aspects of running the station. Overall management rests with a committee elected by the members. (This is in accord with the proper form for an Incorporated Not-For-Profit association, constituted under the Associations Incorporations Act 1981 (Victoria))

96.5 Inner FM broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The format is a mixture of magazine style and music programmes, with an intention to appeal to all tastes and age groups.

A survey conducted by the Department of Transport and Communications in 1992 showed a 40% overall awareness of community radio, and a survey conducted by Ramsay Research at the same time, showed a local listening base of 8.6%.

96.5 Inner FM is listed as one of the "Official media" by the Banyule city council.

[edit] History

Inner FM began life in November 1987 when a group of local residents held a meeting to discuss the formation of a community radio station in the North-Eastern region of Melbourne. Several of these members are still current presenters on Inner FM.

The first test broadcast period of what was then known as North East Community Radio was conducted in late February and early March of 1988 from the Heidelberg Town Hall. This test broadcast lasted for one week. A second week-long test broadcast was conducted during July 1988.

In March of 1990, Inner North East Community Radio was granted a "C" class licence by the Australian Broadcasting Tribunal.

It wasn't until December 1990 the Department of Transport and Communications finished conducting further test broadcasts, and the station started regular broadcasts on 10 December 1990.