 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | |
| Predecessor | Associated Communication Enterprises |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | South Melbourne,Victoria, Australia |
Areas served |
|
Key people | Mark Taylor (CEO) |
| Owners |
|
Number of employees | 200+ (2022) |
| Website | www |
Ace Radio Broadcasters is an Australian media company. Formed in 1984, it operates 21 commercial radio stations inVictoria and southernNew South Wales, as well as thedigital marketing agency Ace Digital andThe Weekly Advertiser, a free newspaper distributed across theWimmera region.[1]
Ace Radio Broadcasters was founded in 1984, following the acquisition of radio station 3HA inHamilton, Victoria by Associated Communication Enterprises, owners of the Melbourne newspaperTruth.[2] The group acquired3CSColac in 1985 and, by 1986, had control of3SHSwan Hill and3WMHorsham.[3] As of 1994, the company was in the joint control of Geoff and Helen Handbury and Rowly and Judy Paterson, and had additional interests in radio stations inWollongong,Shepparton andGeelong.[1]
The company continued to expand in the late 1990s and into the 2000s. Divesting itself of3SR andSun FMShepparton andBay FMGeelong, in 1995 the company acquired3TRTraralgon and3YBWarrnambool. In 1996, Ace Radio commenced the roll-out ofFM radio in its markets, launching Mixx FM branded stations in Horsham, Swan Hill and Colac, with Mixx FM Hamilton and Coast FM Warrnambool launching in 2002. Also in 2002, 3TR converted to the FM band as TRFM, with3GV launched on the former AM frequency.[1]
In September 2005, Ace Radio purchased2AY fromMacquarie Regional RadioWorks, which the latter was forced to divest following its acquisition ofDMG Regional Radio.[4]
In June 2016, Ace Radio's stations were added to theiHeartRadio platform in Australia, with theiHeartRadio Thumbs Up Countdown launched across the network's six 'Hit Music' FM stations.[5]
In August 2017, it was announced that Ace Radio would acquire2QN andEdge FMDeniliquin,New South Wales from Rich Rivers Radio, and3NE andEdge FMWangaratta from North East Broadcasters.[6]
In June 2018, Ace Radio ceased operation of the Radio Training Institute. Launched in 1984 as the Melbourne Radio School, the institute had been operated by Ace inSouth Melbourne since 2003.[7]
From 14 January 2022, Ace Radio took over the operations of three metropolitan stations fromNine Entertainment, under a lease arrangement.[8]
From 16 January 2023, Ace Radio will supplySouthern Cross Austereo'sHit Network programs, including theCarrie & Tommy Drive show,2Day FM'sHughesy, Ed & Erin catch up show,Hot Nights with Abbie Chatfield andJimmy & Nath to over six radio stations.
As of 2022[update], Ace Radio Broadcasters operates 21 radio stations.
Nine of these stations form their 'Heritage' network, featuring local news, music and syndicatedtalkback programming targeted at a 40+ audience:[1]
Eight stations form the 'Hit Music' network, targeting an 18-39 audience withhot adult contemporary music and syndicated programming:[1]
One stationform the 'Easy Music' network, targeting a 55+ audience:[9]
Three stations are positioned as 'Classic Hits', targeting a 55+ audience:[10]
While programming varies in each market, both AM and FM stations broadcast a variety of locally produced, as well as nationally networked, programmes.
AM/Hertiage stations
FM stations