3WBC 94.1FM is a non-profit community organisation operated under licence by Whitehorse-Boroondara FM Community Radio Incorporated.
We began full-time transmission in September 2001, after 10 years of test broadcasts and lobbying.
We broadcast 24 hours 7 days a week to the inner eastern suburbs of Melbourne including Box Hill, Mont Albert, Camberwell, Hawthorn and Kew.
A major boost to the station's signal came in mid-2004, when 3WBC moved transmission facilities to the Mont Albert water tower.
This tower offers 360 degree views of Melbourne's inner east, and gives 3WBC improved coverage of our primary broadcast area.
Our History
When a 5-watt transmitter was first installed on top of the water tower at the corner of Canterbury and Elgar roads, it would have been difficult to imagine the 3WBC studios that are about to be launched at the Box Hill Town Hall on Saturday 27th November.
 The first test broadcast used an endless tape recording of our early presenters talking of their forthcoming shows and the type of music they would be broadcasting. Incidentally, the water tower that played such an important role at our inception now carries 3WBC’s transmitter and enables the communities of the inner east to stay in touch.
The second test broadcast was from the old Bennettswood Primary school, at the back of Deakin University, using a 100-watt transmitter borrowed from NEC in Mulgrave. This was a two week broadcast using second hand and borrowed equipment.
With the amalgamation of councils, a name change became necessary to incorporate the city of Boroondara. The next two test broadcasts were from the Whitehorse Plaza Shopping centre, moving to the Box Hill Central Shopping centre for broadcast number five. This broadcast was a complete success and all involved were elated with the results.
 3WBC was granted a full-time community broadcasting license in September 2001, continuing to broadcast from what had been the front bedroom of a suburban house until this week.
The new studios have cost in the vicinity of $70,000. The raising of these funds was enabled by fundraising by tireless members of the 3wbc team, grants from both government and non-government organizations and donations of time and money by a generous community. The Whitehorse City Council is among the many benefactors that have enabled the realization of our dream.
The underlying ethic of 3WBC is to provide a connection, to provide a voice to the members of a broad and diverse community. Currently 3WBC 94.1 FM has in excess of 20% ethnic-focused programming.
The station is staffed entirely by volunteers and broadcasts seven days a week. Programs, sponsorship details and other information can be found on this website.
|
