2LT (AM) explained

2LT
City:Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia
Frequency:900 kHz AM
Repeater:101.1 FM Wentworth Falls
Format:Classic Hits
Language:English
Erp:56 kW
Callsign Meaning:2 – New South Wales
LiThgow
Former Frequencies:1395 kHz AM (1939 - 1984)
Owner:Midwest Radio Network
Sister Stations:Move FM
Website:2LT

2LT is an Australian AM radio station based in Lithgow and serving the Central West, and Blue Mountains regions of New South Wales. It was opened in July 1939.[1]

History

Established in July 1939 by Lithgow Broadcasters Pty Ltd., Radio 2LT broadcasts from studios located on the Great Western Highway in Bowenfels, before relocating in 1974 to a purpose built facility at 289 Main St, Lithgow where it remains to this day. The station operated as part of Macquarie's Central Western Network and broadcast the network's programming as well as local content.[2] In 1980 2LT became the first regional station in Australia to achieve multiple national broadcast industry awards.

On 30 September 1984 the station radically retooled, changing frequency from 1395 kHz to 900AM and call sign to 'Radio 90' to reflect the dial repositioning and the expansion of the service into the broader Central West region. At the time the company's name was changed from Lithgow Broadcasters Pty Ltd to Midwest Radio Network. The station returned to the original call sign by way of a transitional presentation 'Radio 90 2LT' in 1989, with full restoration of the 2LT moniker by late 1990. From 1997 the Main Street Lithgow facility has also housed a supplementary FM station, which began life as KISS 95.3. In August 2002 2LT and the FM supplementary licence changed hands and then went into administration.

In 2005, KISS would change frequency to 107.9 FM to accommodate for the pending launch of Sydney station Vega 95.3, and changed its name accordingly. In 2011 it changed its name again to Move FM.[3]

In 2011 the original proprietor, now operating as Midwest Radio Network, took back control over the stations.[4]

2LT began broadcasting in the Blue Mountains in 2015 on 101.1 FM but on limited power. The station is still negotiating technical specifications with the Australian Media Communications Authority before launching officially. The translator service is not expected to be fully operational until some time in 2023.[5]

Presenters

Current

Former

Notes and References

  1. News: . 3 July 1939. 7 . New Radio Station. 26 July 2010.
  2. radioheritage.net, 2LT Lithgow, retrieved 19 Mar 2013.
  3. Midwest Radio Network, Corporate Information, retrieved 19 Mar 2013.
  4. RadioInfo, Midwest Radio Network resumes control over 2LT/IceFM Lithgow, retrieved 19 Mar 2013.
  5. Midwest Radio Network,Homepage, retrieved 23 Dec 2016.