The ABC will migrate three of its Perth radio services from AM to FM in early 2026, marking the next major step in the broadcaster’s national strategy to modernise its audio infrastructure and phase out ageing AM transmission where reception has become unreliable.
The move follows the ACMA’s decision to vary the Perth and Remote Western Australia licence area plans, clearing a long-awaited path for ABC Radio Perth, ABC NewsRadio and Radio National to shift to FM.
Hugh Marks
Perth’s AM problem – and the national picture
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said the change represents a significant upgrade for audiences in a city long plagued by poor AM performance.
“We are excited by this rare opportunity to improve the quality of the ABC’s services to our audiences in Perth,” Marks said.
“We have long been aware of the challenges of AM reception in Perth. With FM, audiences can enjoy richer sound and more reliable broadcasts, ensuring they stay connected to the programs they love.”
The shift forms part of the ABC’s broader capital-city FM transition program, designed to address long-standing reception and cost challenges, while maintaining AM coverage in regions where it remains essential.
Ben Latimer
A terrain that fights the signal
ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer said Perth’s move to FM resolves audio issues that have persisted for decades.
“We are excited by this rare opportunity to fix a long-standing audio quality issue that is unique to the Perth terrain and landscape,” Latimer said.
“Perth AM listeners in general experience some of the worst quality AM audio in the country due to a combination of factors, including the city’s sandy soil and signal interference from the electric commuter train network.
“These new FM licenses will deliver better quality audio and are significantly less expensive, providing better value to taxpayers as demand for AM declines in capital cities.
“This change reinforces the ABC’s ongoing commitment to our radio services and our ongoing desire to provide the best quality broadcasts for audiences across the country.”
The ABC has already upgraded FM signals for triple j and ABC Classic, extending coverage into parts of greater Perth and regional WA while improving audio quality for existing audiences.
What stays on AM
Latimer stressed that AM remains important for large parts of Australia.
“ABC AM services in regional and remote areas of Australia remain integral to how the ABC reaches its audience with local and live programming as well as emergency broadcasts.”
He confirmed the FM transition in Perth will not weaken the ABC’s emergency broadcasting role or Parliament coverage.
“The ABC is in the fortunate position of having existing high-powered AM transmitters in areas adjacent to Perth to provide Emergency Broadcasting to all areas outside the metropolitan area currently covered by the Perth AM signal.
“And in Perth, NewsRadio will continue to broadcast Federal Parliament on AM as long as required.”
Transition timeline
FM transmission towers have now been completed, and the ABC is working with other broadcasters on required network adjustments. The migration will begin in early 2026, with AM services ceasing after FM broadcasts are fully operational.
Audiences will hear more about timelines and how to retune in the new year.