Switch 1197
Encyclopedia
Switch 1197 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, Switch 1197 broadcasts on DAB+ Digital Radio, with the majority of its programming being that of a simulcast of its main terrestrial programming output.
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.
Switch 1197 began test transmissions in late 2002 and began full time broadcasting at 8am 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 2007, Switch 1197 was added to the Internode Broadband Radio Streams that are provided by Australian ISP Internode.
music mix, with various 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 musical and information programming of various styles. 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.
Some of the local specialist music based programming the station broadcasts includes:
Switch 1197 also broadcasts specialist programs produced from other sources within Australia, including:
Also, a number of music programs produced internationally, including:
The station also has a number of specialty information and entertainment based programming. Locally, this includes:
Like other community radio stations that are located in the Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
licence area, Switch 1197 broadcasts on DAB+ Digital Radio, with the majority of its programming being that of a simulcast of its main terrestrial programming output.
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
Australian Radio Network
The Australian Radio Network is a group of commercial radio stations around Australia and New Zealand. A joint venture of Australian media conglomerate APN News & Media and United States radio company Clear Channel Communications, the group is the largest radio company in Australasia...
in association with DMG Radio Australia
DMG Radio Australia
DMG Radio Australia operates commercial radio networks in metropolitan and regional areas of Australia. The company is 50% owned by United Kingdom company, Daily Mail and General Trust Group. Lachlan Murdoch's Illyria Pty Ltd bought 50% of the company in November 2009.DMG Radio Australia was formed...
), by the Australian Broadcasting Authority
Australian Broadcasting Authority
The Australian Broadcasting Authority was an Australian government agency whose main roles were to regulate broadcasting, radiocommunications and telecommunications....
.
In 2002, the Australian Broadcasting Authority
Australian Broadcasting Authority
The Australian Broadcasting Authority was an Australian government agency whose main roles were to regulate broadcasting, radiocommunications and telecommunications....
, granted a high powered FM community licence to Christian broadcaster 96five Family FM
96five Family FM
96five is a community broadcast radio station operated by Family Radio Ltd in Brisbane, Australia. The radio stations continued operation is supported by sponsorship, fundraising and pledges.-Programming:...
on 96.5 MHz, and a high powered AM community licence to BIRGI on 1197 kHz.
Switch 1197 began test transmissions in late 2002 and began full time broadcasting at 8am 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
Rhythmic Contemporary
Rhythmic contemporary, also known as rhythmic top 40, rhythmic contemporary hit radio or rhythmic crossover, is a music radio format that includes a mix of EDM, upbeat rhythmic pop, hip-hop and R&B hits. Rhythmic contemporary rarely uses rock music or country music in its airplay, but it may...
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.
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 (64kbps) and Mobile (32kbps) 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 RhythmicRhythmic Contemporary
Rhythmic contemporary, also known as rhythmic top 40, rhythmic contemporary hit radio or rhythmic crossover, is a music radio format that includes a mix of EDM, upbeat rhythmic pop, hip-hop and R&B hits. Rhythmic contemporary rarely uses rock music or country music in its airplay, but it may...
music mix, with various 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 musical and information programming of various styles. 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.
Some of the local specialist music based programming the station broadcasts includes:
- Smash One Out - A program devoted to the latest trends in alternative and indie music with Ash & Zac.
- Yellow Brick Roads - Moses presents a weekly show on electronic experimental alternative music.
- Oz Music Hour - 100% Aussie, 100% Awesome - Bindi presents Australian artists, music, interviews and special guests every weekend.
- Get Your Queer On - A community show for the LGBTI community with news, music, special guests and interviews with Bindi & Kizz.
- Voices of Samoa - A series of cultural programs each week from local Samoan community.
Switch 1197 also broadcasts specialist programs produced from other sources within Australia, including:
- SoulGood - A house music program produced by Bill Fragos from Fresh FM Adelaide.
- Global Trance - A trance music program produced by DJ Contagious from Fresh FM Adelaide.
- Clubbers Drive - A club and DJ mix program produced by DJ Brendan and Steve Hart from Fresh FM Adelaide.
Also, a number of music programs produced internationally, including:
- Global Dance Session - A program produced by Brian Cheetham, which features a weekly DJ guest mix.
- MC MarioMC MarioMario Tremblay, better known under his moniker MC Mario, is a French Canadian song producer, disc jockey and radio host from Montreal, Quebec...
's Mixdown - A countdown of the top ten dance songs from North America.
The station also has a number of specialty information and entertainment based programming. Locally, this includes:
- Social Sundayz - A program that reviews the role social media has played in the world during the past week.
- Switched On Brisbane - A program with all thats happening in Brisbane, observations and chat.
- The Tech Team - A program focused on providing news, reviews, opinions and thoughts on new, emerging and changing technologies.
- The Wrap-Up - A weekly preview of the sporting action for the upcoming weekend.