99.7 Rhema FM (call sign: 2RFM) is the local Christian radio station for the Newcastle and Hunter Region in New South Wales, Australia. It is funded by a combination of members fees and sponsorship advertising and has some volunteer staffing. It is a registered not-for-profit organisation with charitable status.
Starting out on temporary broadcast on 11 May 1987, the station was granted a permanent licence from 1 December 1999, beating a rival proposed radio station for the blind for the licence.[1] [2]
In 2015 Rhema FM went off air for some weeks, as its transmitter on Mount Sugarloaf failed due to storms affecting the region.[3]
The station says is a "home mission, with a mission to reach every home", with a commitment to 100% Christian music and content. Its online service, rhemacatchup.com, enables it to reach a global audience.[4]
The station promotes local artists on air and offers a variety of community resources.[5] [6] [7]