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About 2CHR
2CHR (Central Hunter Radio) is a community radio station based in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia.

The station serves as voice media for the community of the Central Hunter area. It is operated completely by volunteers from the non-profit organisation - Central Hunter Community Broadcasters Inc.

2CHR was formed in 2000 through the amalgamation of two aspirant stations: Cessnock Community Radio (CKRFM) and Radio Maitland (RMFM). The Station broadcasts from Bimbadeen near Cessnock on 96.5M and streams live to the internet as "2CHR" on most apps.

Training courses in basic radio skills for aspiring presenters are provided. Other volunteers receive training in production, office, computer and other technical skills.

Sponsorship and Membership are welcomed and actively sought as the powerhouse of the station.

Membership is constantly held at over 200 members but this is a smal and special part of the large listening audience which has been surveyed by respected company McNair Ingenuity to be several thousands.

The Station requires approximately 60 volunteers to fill administrative, technical, IT, and presenter duties and provides a stimulating environment for all volunteers to enjoy the broadcasting experience.

Programs include a wide variety of musical tastes interspersed with hourly News and Weather.  There is also pertinent local information and bulletins, regular community notices and many specialty shows of cultural and social interest.

Broadcasts cover an area that includes the renowned vineyard areas around Pokolbin and Rothbury and out to the coal mining and agricultural areas of Cessnock and Maitland as well as historic Wollombi and the Quarrobolong valley. 2CHR broadcasts focus on the community of the Central Hunter Valley area, identified through interaction as what they want to hear. 2CHR features interviews with local people, local news and weather, sports updates & community announcements.

The beauty of a Community Station as compared to a national or commercial station is its provision of a service to meet the needs of the local community rather than profit. With over 280 Community Stations already operating around Australia, Community Radio has become the largest sector of the broadcast industry.

2CHR is a very important and respected voice in the Hunter Valley and has received a number of commendations and Media awards.

History

In the early 90’s, both Cessnock Community Radio (CKRFM) and Radio Maitland (RMFM) were broadcasting on temporary licences and were both bidding for a permanent licence to broadcast full time.

After many years of temporary broadcasts it was decided that the best way to get a full time community radio station in the area would be achieved by a single station covering both districts.

Following a series of meetings it was decided to combine the two stations and form a new station to be known as Central Hunter Community Broadcasters Inc. Combining the two stations provided two studios and the ability to broadcast from both… either Maitland or Cessnock by the flick of a switch.

In early 2000 Central Hunter Radio (CHRFM) was granted a full licence and continued to broadcast from both Cessnock and Maitland studios. In 2001 funding issues made it difficult to operate two studios and it was decided to broadcast from Cessnock only. The studios are centrally located at the corner of Maitland Road and Vincent Street Cessnock. The transmitter is situated on Mount Bimbadeen to the west of Cessnock.

Now, twenty years after obtaining the full time licence, 2CHR has been able to demonstrate to the relevant Government Departments that it is a creditable Media organisation.

A requirement for the renewing of the 2CHR licences for conduct of the station and for our two broadcast licences requires extensive review and application details to be provided within a framework of media legislation. We are required to meet stringent conditions regarding our broadcasts including the area to which we are permitted to serve and the power of our transmission.

These conditions restrict 2CHR to serve the Local Government Areas of Cessnock and Maitland and limit any extension of our broadcasting to such methods as Streaming of programmes and Pod casts.

Our most recent renewal of licences was granted in 2020 and is valid for a period of five years however constant scrutiny by the ACMA requires a number of annual returns. Additionally annual reports regarding our activities are required by the CBAA, CBF and APRA and AMCOS.

These reports require information regarding the conduct and activities of the Station as well as Financial Reports regarding our income and expenditure and financial viability.