Switch 1197
 | |
| City of license | Brisbane, Queensland |
|---|---|
| Broadcast area | Brisbane RA1 () |
| Branding | Switch 1197 |
| Slogan | Brisbane's Youth Alternative |
| Frequency | 1197 kHz AM |
| First air date | 7 April 2003[1] |
| Format | Rhythmic |
| Language(s) | mostly English |
| Power |
1,000 watts daytime 500 watts nighttime |
| Transmitter coordinates | 27°30′55″S 152°59′52″E / 27.51528°S 152.99778°E |
| Callsign meaning |
4 = Queensland Brisbane Interactive |
| Former frequencies | 97.3 FM |
| Owner | Brisbane Interactive Radio Group, Inc. |
| Sister stations | Switch Digital |
| Website | www.switch1197.com |
Switch 1197 (call sign: 4BI) is a community broadcast radio station operated by Brisbane Interactive Radio Group Inc., which is a community-based not-for-profit youth organisation based in Brisbane Queensland, Australia.
Like other community radio stations that are located in the Brisbane licence area, the station broadcasts additional programming output on DAB+ Digital Radio.
History
Brisbane Interactive Radio Group Inc was founded in 1998, and was granted a series of temporary radio broadcasting licences, allowing shared transmissions with other aspirant broadcasters on 97.3 MHz.
In 2001, the 97.3 MHz frequency was auctioned to the (Australian Radio Network in association with DMG Radio Australia), by the Australian Broadcasting Authority.
In 2002, the Australian Broadcasting Authority, granted a high powered FM community licence to Christian broadcaster 96five Family FM on 96.5 MHz, and a high powered AM community licence to BIRGI on 1197 kHz.[2]
Switch 1197 began test transmissions in late 2002 and began full-time broadcasting at 8 am on 7 April 2003, identifying as i-1197. From this period of time until January 2005, the station broadcast an uninhibited range of music genres and programming, with a slight focus on Top 40 music.
From January 2005, the station was re-branded to the programming format based upon its predecessor, Switch FM, focusing on playing a more Rhythmic format, which has remained to this day.
From September 2011, Brisbane Interactive Radio Group Inc voted in a new board, which revitalised the station with a new brand, new sound, new programs and a new scope.
In April 2013, the station celebrated its 10th consecutive broadcasting year on the AM band, by airing daily compiles of material collected both on and off-air over that decade-long period.
In February 2014, the station re-launched its Switch Digital service, exclusively focusing on music and programming of an Electronic and Dance nature.
Audio streaming
in 2004, Switch 1197 was the first radio station in Australia to stream with aacPlus technology and it continues to provide both near CD quality (64kbit/s) and Mobile (32kbit/s) compatible streams, as well as a 128k MP3 stream.
In 2007, Switch 1197 was added to the Internode Broadband Radio Streams that are provided by Australian ISP Internode.
Programming
The stations general weekday daytime programming contains a Rhythmic music mix, with announcers presenting entertaining and informative pieces. Various information segments are also aired, most with a specific focus (e.g. Local Events, Community Services and News among others).
The stations night-time and weekend programming focuses on more specialist program material including Local Music, Alternative, Rock, as well as specialist talk and information programming.
With the addition of Digital Radio, the station has begun to offer a wider choice in programming, with some content found only on the DAB+ Digital stream. Switch Digital primarily focuses on providing more music-based programming of an Electronic and Dance nature. On this service, feature programs explore subgenres of Electronic and Dance music including House, Trance and Techno.
See also
- List of Australian radio stations