Leave our Pulse alone, ACMA told

Jessica Benton
Objectors have bombarded Australia’s media authority with submissions against seizing the frequency of Geelong’s community radio station for the ABC, according to the station’s boss.
The Pulse manager Gary Dalton said 130 submissions to Australian Communications and Media Authority had opposed its plan to strip the station of its powerful 94.7FM frequency.
“The overwhelming support is really heartening,” Mr Dalton said.
“We had submissions from Geelong organisations and individuals, state MPs, Victorian Liberal party leader Ted Baillieu and the mayors of Surf Coast Shire and City of Greater Geelong.
“They’ve all sent a strong united message to Canberra on our behalf.”
The authority plans to hand The Pulse’s frequency to the ABC to begin local radio broadcasts.
The proposal includes shifting The Pulse to the weaker 91.9 frequency, reducing the station’s reach across the region.
Mr Dalton said submissions closed on September 19, with a final decision expected next month.
He remained optimistic about The Pulse staying at 94.7FM.
“I’m confident that if logic and common sense prevails we’ll retain the 94.7 frequency and get a permanent licence,” he said.
Mr Dalton warned the loss of 94.7FM would hit The Pulse with a significant financial blow.
He estimated “rebranding” the station and technical changes would cost more than $50,000.
The Pulse would have to apply to the Federal Minister for Telecommunications for compensation to cover the expenses of shifting frequency, Mr Dalton said.
Media authority chairman Chris Chapman defended the plan in the Independent last month.
“The proposed changes are part of a broader plan to extend…ABC services to all transmission areas of Australia with a population of 10,000 or more,” he said.
“Spectrum is congested for high-power services in each of these regions and ACMA was unable to identify any vacant FM frequencies that could be used for the ABC services”.