89.3 LAFM

89.3 LAFM (callsign: 7LAA) is an Australian radio station in Tasmania. Owned and operated by ARN, it broadcasts an adult contemporary format to Launceston and surrounding areas. First broadcast on 14 December 1930 as 7LA,[1] the station currently broadcasts from studios in York Street, alongside sister station 90.1 Chilli FM. 89.3 LAFM also has a station in Scottsdale named 540 7SD which currently broadcasts on 540 kHz.

89.3 LAFM
Broadcast areaLaunceston RA1
Frequency89.3 MHz FM
Programming
Language(s)English
FormatAdult Contemporary
Ownership
Owner
  • ARN
  • (Bass Radio Pty Limited)
90.1 Chilli FM
History
First air date
14 December 1930 (1930-12-14) (as 7LA)
Former call signs
7LA (1930–2008)
Former frequencies
1098 kHz AM (1978–2009)
1100 kHz AM (1930–1978)
Call sign meaning
7 - Tasmania
LAA - Homage to final AM callsign 7LA (LAunceston)
Technical information
Transmitter coordinates
41.439743°S 147.137945°E / -41.439743; 147.137945
Translator(s)100.3 FM Launceston CBD
Links
Website89.3 LAFM

History

Established as 7LA in 1930, the station was formerly operated under various networks, including AWA Limited, 3KZ, RG Capital and Macquarie Regional RadioWorks. In 1978, the station shifted frequency to 1098 AM as part of a nationwide frequency move on the AM band, changing from 10 kHz spacing to 9 kHz.

In 2002, television station ABNT-3 vacated VHF channel 3, opening up space for further FM radio services in Launceston. In 2005, it was announced that 7LA, along with 7EX and ABC Northern Tasmania were to move to the FM band - 7LA on 89.3, 7EX on 90.1 and ABC Northern Tasmania on 91.7.[2] In 2008, the station relaunched as 89.3 LAFM,[3] with the AM service ceasing transmission in February 2009.

Today, the station networks the majority of its programming to Scottsdale-based 7SD.

In November 2021, 89.3 LAFM, along with other stations owned by Grant Broadcasters, were acquired by the Australian Radio Network. This deal will allow Grant's stations, including LAFM, to access ARN's iHeartRadio platform in regional areas. The deal was finalized on January 4, 2022.[4] It is expected LAFM will integrate with ARN's Pure Gold Network, but will retain its current name according to the press release from ARN.

References
  1. "New Broadcasting Station". The Sydney Morning Herald. 15 December 1930. p. 8. Retrieved 17 April 2010.
  2. "Launceston stations are going FM". Radioinfo.com.au. 31 March 2005. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  3. "Launceston's 7LA relaunches as 89.3 LAFM". Radioinfo.com.au. 1 December 2008. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  4. ARN and Grant Broadcasters unite to create Australia's leading radio and digital audio business AdNews Australia 4 January 2022
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